What is colposcopy and how is it performed?
Colposcopy is a medical diagnostic procedure to examine a magnified view of the cervix, the uterus, the external reproductive organs and the anus. It is performed using a special machine called colposcope.
The patient lies in the usual gynecological position and a vaginal dilator is placed just like for a PAP test. The physician applies a special colorless solution and then a dark brown solution. These solutions are able to distinguish the healthy sites from those presenting lesions due to dysplasia. Using the colposcope, the cervix is thoroughly examined under magnification, as well as the vagina, the labia and anus, for such lesions.
When is it performed and why?
- In case the PAP-test indicates possible cervical dysplasia (and/or atypia), so that the physician may confirm visually the existence of dysplasia, and to “map” its extent in the cervix (more rarely in the vagina, the vulva and the anus);
- For the physician to obtain small cervical biopsy samples coming from sites that are visually suspicious for dysplasia, in order to confirm histologically the severity of dysplasia (mild, moderate, severe) and recommend either conservative monitoring or special cervical procedures;
- In case of new external warts on the labia, buttocks, anus, allowing to also check the cervix for possible coexistence of dysplasia;
- To monitor a known mild dysplasia;
- For optical guidance when performing a cervical procedure.
The first total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, with complete lymph node dissection, was performed in Greece in 2004 by Dr. G. Hilaris and his team.
Laparoscopic surgery has gained popularity over the last decades as an alternative method for performing a multitude of procedures.
We have been using the DaVinci® robotic system since 2002 at Stanford University Hospital, California, long before the it became known in Europe.