Laser conization in the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and microinvasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix

This review article evaluates laser conization as a method to diagnose and treat cervical intraepithelial and microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix, including simple excisional conization and combination conization. Laser conization, when performed by competent surgeons with state-of-the art equipment, is equal or superior to knife cone or Lietz cone. As with other conization procedures, the risk of preterm delivery increases with the volume and height of the cone. Laser conization height should never exceed 20 minutes.