# Impact of large‐loop excision of the transformation zone on cervical morphology: A prospective observational study

## TL;DR

This study examines how a medical procedure called LLETZ affects the cervix's size and shape, finding that it regenerates partially over time.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into cervical regeneration after LLETZ and compares ultrasonographic methods for measuring cervical volume.

## Key findings

- Cervical length decreased initially but partially recovered by 6 months post-LLETZ.
- Cervical volume decreased after LLETZ but showed partial regeneration over time.
- Ultrasonographic methods for measuring cervical volume showed high concordance.

## Abstract

To evaluate the impact of large‐loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) on cervical dimensions, to identify influencing factors on cervical regeneration and to verify the concordance between ultrasonographic techniques for assessing cervical volume.

This was a prospective observational study conducted at the University of São Paulo Clinical Hospital from May 2022 to April 2023. Ultrasonographic measurements of cervical length and volume were obtained before LLETZ and at 3 and 6 months post‐procedure. The influence of variables on the regenerative process was evaluated using generalized linear regression models, and the concordance between volume measurements using the cylinder formula and VOCAL (Virtual Organ Computer‐Aided Analysis) software was assessed.

The mean cervical length decreased from 32.3 mm to 30.3 mm at 3 months but increased to 31.7 mm at 6 months. The volume calculated by the cylinder formula decreased from 15.6 cm3 to 11.6 cm3 at 3 months, rising to 12.3 cm3 at 6 months. Similarly, the volume measured by VOCAL dropped from 16.0 cm3 to 11.8 cm3 at 3 months and increased to 13.1 cm3 at 6 months. The volume of excised tissue influences cervical length, whereas parity affects volume regeneration. Ultrasonography methods for assessing cervical volume showed high concordance.

There is a regenerative process of the cervix after LLETZ, complete in terms of length and partial in volume. The volume of the excised tissue and parity influence the regenerative process. Ultrasonographic assessments of cervical volume by two‐ or three‐dimensional methods are comparable.