Cone Biopsy at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

Cone Biopsy at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

A cone biopsy, also known as a conization, is a quick outpatient surgery where a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix to identify and treat a problem in the cervix. Your health care provider may do a cone biopsy if 1 or more Pap tests and a colposcopy (microscope) exam showed abnormal cells on your cervix. A cold knife cone biopsy uses a surgical scalpel to remove the tissue and is performed in the operating room. You will be asleep for the procedure. The surgery takes less than an hour, and you will be able to go home that same day.

How to prepare for surgery

  • Do not wear any jewelry, body piercings, or acrylic nails the day of your surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery. This includes no chewing gum or mints the morning of surgery. This is very important. Any food or drink in your stomach may cause life threatening pneumonia.
  • You will need a responsible adult to drive you home after your surgery. If you take a cab, bus, or medical transportation service home after the procedure, an adult, other than the driver, needs to ride with you for your safety.
  • Be sure to arrive at the hospital on time, so you have time to sign in and get ready for the procedure. 

What to expect during surgery

You will receive anesthesia before your biopsy to keep you comfortable. You will be asleep during surgery and you will be monitored throughout the procedure.  

  • Your surgeon will place a thin metal instrument (speculum), into the vagina to allow them to see the cervix.
  • A cone-shaped piece of tissue is then removed from the opening of the cervix up into the canal.

Shows area of where cone biopsy is done in the cervix

  • A solution will be applied to the cervix to help stop any bleeding.
  • The removed tissue is sent to the lab and looked at to assure that the abnormal cells have been removed from the cervix. The tissue that grows back is usually normal and may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to regrow.

What to expect after a cone biopsy

After the surgery has been done, you will rest in the recovery area until you are awake and ready to go home. An adult friend or family member will need to drive you home.

  • Plan to rest at home for a day or two after your surgery.
  • You may have some pink to bloody vaginal discharge and mild cramping for a few days after surgery. Use sanitary pads if needed.  
  • You may have a mustard brown vaginal discharge for a few days after the procedure from the solution used to control bleeding during the surgery.
  • Do not put anything in your vagina for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery or as directed by your doctor, until the cervix is healed. This may injure the healing tissue. 
    • Do not use tampons, do not have sexual intercourse, and do not douche. 
  • For 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, do not soak in water (such as swimming pools, hot tubs, or baths). Showers are okay.
  • Prescription pain medicine is generally not required. Over the counter pain relievers may be used if needed.

When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have any of the following:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad in 1 hour), with or without blood clots
  • Chills or fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
  • Vaginal discharge that smells bad
  • Pain that is increasing over time

Getting your results

Your health care provider will talk with your about your results at your scheduled follow-up appointment about 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery. You will be given a plan of care for further cervical cancer evaluation, screening, and follow up.
 

© 2016 – March 4, 2022, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.