Cone biopsy
Information for patients
Gynaecology
You have been advised by your doctor to have a cone biopsy because you have abnormal cells on
your cervix (the neck of your womb).
What is a cone biopsy?
A cone biopsy is a small operation to remove an area of abnormal cells from your cervix. The area of
abnormal cells can sometimes be in the canal of the cervix and maybe difficult to fully visualize and
remove at colposcopy.
During the operation the doctor will remove a cone shaped piece of tissue from your cervix that will
be sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
The results of the examination will tell us if all the abnormal cells have been removed and enable the
doctor to decide if any further treatment is required
A cone biopsy is usually carried out under general anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or spinal
anaesthetic (you will be awake but numb from the waist down).
uterus
cervix
vagina
Will I stay in hospital?
You will be admitted on the day of your operation and will go home later the same day or the
following morning.
A pack maybe inserted into your vagina at the end of the operation (but while you are still asleep) to
help to reduce vaginal bleeding. This vaginal pack will need to stay in place for at least 6 hours.
PD6499-PIL588 v4
Issue Date: July 2016. Review Date: July 2018
Will I be able to pass urine with a vaginal pack in place?
Since it can be difficult to pass urine with a vaginal pack in place, you may also have a urinary catheter
until the vaginal pack has been removed.
The vaginal pack and the urinary catheter will be removed by a nurse before you are discharged from
hospital.
When will I be allowed home?
You will be able to go home when:
• You have eaten and are able to drink normally
• Your vaginal bleeding has settled
• You can pass urine normally
Do I need someone to look after me following a cone biopsy?
Yes, please arrange for someone to accompany you home from hospital and stay with you for the
first 24 hours following your anaesthetic.
What are the risks involved in having a cone biopsy?
You should not have this procedure if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, please
inform the doctor or nurse if you are or think you may be.
The most common risks are vaginal bleeding and/or developing a vaginal infection after the
operation. Vaginal bleeding or vaginal infection can develop immediately following your operation,
while you are in hospital, or up to 10 - 14 days later.
Once you have been discharged home your vaginal bleeding can be very heavy and may require a
return visit to the hospital and a further vaginal pack to be inserted into your vagina. This may need
to be performed under a general anaesthetic.
There is also a very small risk that the cervix can become so tightly closed that your periods cannot
flow freely through your cervix. This is called 'cervical stenosis' and sometimes requires further minor
surgery to dilate (open up) the cervix.
Women who have had a cone biopsy are also slightly more at risk of complications in future
pregnancies and are more likely to have their baby early (before 37 weeks pregnant).
If you become pregnant it is very important to inform your midwife and doctor that you have
previously had a cone biopsy so that they can monitor your pregnancy.
Will I have any pain?
You may experience mild lower abdominal pain which can be relieved by taking simple painkillers (for
example paracetamol or ibuprofen).
If your abdominal pain is not relieved by taking pain killers then you must contact your GP or the
Gynaecology Ward G1 for further advice.
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When can I go back to work?
You should be well enough to go back to work in a couple of days after the operation. The nurse
discharging you from hospital will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail before you go
home
When do I get the results?
Your doctor will write to you with the results of the cone biopsy or see you in the Gynaecology Clinic
to discuss them approximately 4 to 6 weeks after your operation.
You will also be given a 6 month follow-up appointment in Colposcopy Clinic to check how your
cervix has healed and repeat your cervical smear.
Please do not have a smear test anywhere else before your 6 month appointment.
For most patients a cone biopsy will remove all the abnormal tissue and no further treatment is
required.
Please note it is important to keep your follow-up appointment.
Is there anything I should look out for when I go home?
Your cervix will take approximately 6 weeks to heal.
During this time you will experience irregular vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge.
This is normal but if the bleeding becomes very heavy, offensive smelling or if you feel unwell, for
example have a temperature or fever, you must contact your GP or phone the Gynaecology Ward G1
for advice.
You should not use tampons, have sexual intercourse or go swimming for 6 weeks (or longer if any
vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge is present).
This will help reduce the risk of infection and will allow the cervix time to heal.
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
If you need any further information then please do not hesitate to contact:
Gynaecology Outpatients Department
• 0114 226 8441
Gynaecology Ward G1
• 0114 226 8225
Your GP
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PD6499-PIL588 v4
Issue Date: July 2016. Review Date: July 2018