The Recurrence Rate of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia After Loop Electrosurgical Excision Versus Cold Knife Conization: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Effective cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treatment and detection of high-risk recurrence patients is very important. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the recurrence rate of CIN after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) versus cold knife conization (CKC). Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 329 patients who underwent either LEEP (294 cases) or CKC (35 cases) in the colposcopy clinic of referral hospitals between March 2016 and March 2021. The study population was followed up every six months for two years after their first conization to monitor for any recurrence of the disease. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regards. Thirty-two patients experienced recurrence within two years after surgery. The rate of CIN recurrent was 30 (10.2%) cases in the LEEP group and 2(5.7%) cases in the CKC group, with no significant differences (P-value = 0.553, RR = 1.78; 95% CI = 0.44-7.15). Conclusions: The present study compared the benefits and harms of LEEP and CKC. The recurrence rate and surgical complications associated with both methods appeared to be similar with no significant differences. However, further high-quality and comprehensive research with a long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm our findings.