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Women's and neonatal services

Colposcopy

The West Herts Colposcopy service is one unit based across two sites: Watford General Hospital and St Albans City Hospital.

The service at St Albans has two doctors – Mr Sanusi and Dr Joseph whilst the service at Watford has four Doctors – Mr Padwick, Ms Vikram, Mr Forson, and Mr Stanciu.

There are four Colposcopy Specialist Nurses who work across both sites.

The service overall is led by Mr Padwick with Ms Vikram as his deputy. There are two Colposcopy coordinators, one at each site and a Colposcopy administrator who works cross site. The histology department is led by Dr Sabina Mistry. The cytology department is based at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Why have a colposcopy?

You may have been referred for colposcopy because a cervical screening test (smear test) has shown evidence of abnormal cells and high-risk HPV or just high-risk HPV in 3 consecutive negative annual smears. 

Other women are seen in the clinic because their GP has referred them due to the uncertainty about the appearance of the cervix, vulva, vagina or bleeding after sexual intercourse. 

What happens during a colposcopy?

A specialist called a Colposcopist carries out the colposcopy. This may be a doctor or a specially trained nurse.

Following assessment, you would be advised on management. This could be a simple reassurance, biopsy or a treatment.

Biopsy: A small sample of tissue (a biopsy) may be removed for closer examination in a laboratory – this shouldn’t be painful, but you may feel a slight pinch or stinging sensation

Treatment: The main treatment performed is called a large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). This treatment is very quick and is performed under local anaesthetic. This is either done at your first visit or after an initial biopsy.

Other treatments can be performed for other problems affecting the cervix such as diathermy heat treatment, which is again performed under local anaesthetic.

The colposcopy findings, biopsy and / or smear results will be sent to you and your GP within 6 weeks of your appointment.  For further information please visit:

www.bsccp.org.uk