Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe results achieved by family physicians performing colposcopy in our private practice. METHODS: A chart review was performed one year after initiating colposcopy services. RESULTS: Forty-five patients underwent 47 colposcopic exams, most often for mild dysplasia or persistent atypia on Papanicolaou smears. Of the 21 patients with persisting atypia on smear, 16 (76.2%) showed dysplasia on biopsy. Twenty-five patients (55.6%) underwent cryotherapy, which successfully eradicated the abnormality in 16 of the 20 (80%) for whom follow-up is complete. Ten patients (22.2%) were referred to gynecologists for further evaluation and/or treatment. Six patients (13.3%) had not received the recommended follow-up after either colposcopy or cryotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Family physicians in private practice performing colposcopy and cryotherapy can provide complete care for 75% of patients with abnormal Papanicolaou smears. Patients with squamous atypia on smear may have dysplasia on biopsy more often than previously reported. A recall system and regular chart audits are recommended to improve follow-up.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 97-103 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | The Family practice research journal |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 1 |
State | Published - Mar 1994 |