Gynaecology Services - Colposcopy

Your visit will take approximately 30 minutes. If you have had an abnormal cervical smear this does not mean you have cancer.

The clinic is on the second floor of Christchurch Women's Hospital. 

If you cannot attend please notify us for another appointment

If your period will be due phone to make another appointment.

May I bring some one?

You are welcome to bring a friend or support person.

Who will be there?

The doctor and nurse. There may be one other member of the hospital staff, but if that is so we will ask your permission first.

What is a Colposcopy?

It is looking at your cervix through a microscope. The, examination is like having a smear. The Doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina. After viewing the cervix which is at the top of the vagina the doctor will wash it with a mild solution of acetic acid commonly known as vinegar. This highlights any abnormal area. At this stage a small biopsy may be taken. This is a piece of skin about the size of a coloured pinhead and for most women is not a painful procedure. You can expect a small amount of bleeding or spotting for about 48 hours.

Can I watch this?

Yes, we have a TV screen on which you can watch your examination only if you wish.

Results

We may need to wait for results (e.g. biopsy) to confirm the next step. A letter will be sent to you with details of results of your examination. if treatment is recommended a further appointment will be sent. if you don't understand your letter please contact the Nurse Educator, phone 364 4466.

What is CIN?

(Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia or Dysplasia)

CIN means abnormal cells on the skin (epithelium) covering the cervix. Fortunately such cell changes can be treated before a cancer develops. Sometimes CIN can progress to cancer, but this may take many years. CIN is not cancer. CIN is graded by the pathologist:

CIN I = mild dysplasia

CIN II = moderate dysplasia

CIN III = severe dysplasia (also known as carcinoma insitu.)

Social Work and Counselling

This service is offered free to all women who may have a situation they wish to discuss in private. Please phone the secretary for an appointment (phone 3644440).

Treatment

There are several treatment options available and all are effective. Some patients have local anaesthetic treatment and some have a general anaesthetic in which case they would be put to sleep and need to spend the day in hospital. If you need treatment details will be discussed with you at your visit.

Check List

Is your period due? Please check your calendar.

Have you changed your address or telephone?

We would appreciate a few days notice if you can't attend as this gives someone else the chance of an earlier appointment.

The Nurse Educator is available to answer any questions Monday to Friday. Phone 364 4466

Cervical screening in New Zealand is now organized nationally and as from July 1, 1993 when the legislation came into effect all women are automatically registered on the programme, unless they sign themselves off.

The Register is a safety net for women reminding them if they have missed their regular smear test, and if any abnormal results have not been followed up. It also provides a back-up to Doctors and other smear takers own recall systems.