Cryotherapy as a Method for Relieving Symptoms of Cervical Ectopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives Benign cervical ectopy (CE) may cause chronic or recurrent symptoms leading to women repeatedly being referred to gynecology clinics. We aimed to present a safe and effective method for relieving symptoms of CE. Methods This double-blind clinical trial was conducted among 164 women with CE who complained of persistent or recurrent symptoms of cervicitis in the last six months. Patient’s demographic data, medical history, symptoms, and vaginal examination results were recorded. Normal co-test or Pap smear was required to enter the study. Participants were divided into two groups; the intervention group received cryotherapy and the control group underwent cryo-placebo (inserted the probe without true cryotherapy). The outcomes including improvement of symptoms and CE were monitored one, three, and six months later. Results The prevalence of symptoms in the two groups were not significantly different ( p > 0.050). Symptom improvement was significantly higher with cryotherapy: vaginal discharge ( p = 0.006), itching ( p < 0.001), dyspareunia ( p = 0.005), post-coital bleeding ( p = 0.023), and pelvic pain ( p = 0.009). If the symptoms did not disappear, their severity was lower after cryotherapy, comparatively ( p < 0.050). Examination showed more improvement of CE following cryotherapy ( p < 0.001). Cryotherapy showed no remarkable side effects and was associated with more satisfaction ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Cryotherapy is a safe, effective, fast-acting, and cost-benefit therapy that can be considered for the treatment of symptomatic CE.

Real‑world study of Cerviron® vaginal ovules in the treatment of cervical lesions of various etiologies

“…Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) of the cervix is an effective treatment for symptomatic cervical ectropion ( 33 ). Other surgical techniques have been applied for ablation of the squamocolumnar junction.…”

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of cryotherapy in benign and premalignant cervical lesion

“…4 In 2019, Agah et al reported that cryotherapy showed no remarkable side effects and was associated with more satisfaction (p<0.001). 31 Adefuye et al reported that 98.2% of 220 women believed that the procedure had been as they expected, and 95% said that they would recommend cryotherapy to other women. 21 Lewis et al found 100% satisfaction with cryotherapy among 22 women surveyed at their 3-month follow-up visit.…”

CO2 Cryotherapy Combined with Kushen Gel for the Treatment of Chronic Cervicitis: A Real-World Study

“…CO 2 cryotherapy involves freezing temperatures of -22 to -30 °C, which results in crystallization and evaporation of intracellular fluid and ultimately, destruction of cells at -85 °C. The procedure is performed until the formation of an ice ball is noted, which takes up to five minutes, most often with freeze-thaw cycle [11]. Following CO 2 cryotherapy, the patient had a once-daily Kushen gel vaginal suppository placed for two weeks.…”