Background
Thermal coagulation is gaining popularity for treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in screening programs in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) due to unavailability of cryotherapy.
Objectives
Assess the effectiveness of thermal coagulation for treatment of CIN lesions compared with cryotherapy, with a focus on LMICs.
Search strategy
Papers were identified from previous reviews and electronic literature search in February 2018 with publication date after 2010.
Selection criteria
Publications with original data evaluating cryotherapy or thermal coagulation with proportion of cure as outcome, assessed by colposcopy, biopsy, cytology, and/or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), and minimum 6 months follow‐up.
Data collection and analysis
Pooled proportions of cure are presented stratified per treatment modality, type of lesion, and region.
Main results
Pooled cure proportions for cryotherapy and thermal coagulation, respectively, were 93.8% (95% CI, 88.5–97.7) and 91.4% (95% CI, 84.9–96.4) for CIN 1; 82.6% (95% CI, 77.4–87.3) and 91.6% (95% CI, 88.2–94.5) for CIN 2–3; and 92.8% (95% CI, 85.6–97.7) and 90.1% (95% CI, 87.0–92.8) for VIA‐positive lesions. For thermal coagulation of CIN 2–3 lesions in LMICs 82.4% (95% CI, 75.4–88.6).
Conclusions
Both cryotherapy and thermal coagulation are effective treatment modalities for CIN lesions in LMICs.
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