The thickness and volume of LLETZ specimens can predict the relative risk of pregnancy-related morbidity

Please cite this paper as: Khalid S, Dimitriou E, Conroy R, Paraskevaidis E, Kyrgiou M, Harrity C, Arbyn M, Prendiville W. The thickness and volume of LLETZ specimens can predict the relative risk of pregnancy‐related morbidity. BJOG 2012;119:685–691. Objective The aim of this study was to determine if the individual physical characteristics of the extirpated transformation zone after large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) might predict the relative risk of adverse obstetric outcome, specifically preterm labour (PTL). Design A retrospective observational study. Setting University teaching hospital in Dublin (Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, CWIUH). Population Women who had LLETZ treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in the colposcopy service between 1999 and 2002, and who subsequently had a pregnancy at the CWIUH. Methods Case records and histology reports for eligible women were examined. Age, parity, smoking history, pregnancy complications and CIN grade were recorded. Exclusion criteria were age >42 years, previous treatment for CIN, previous premature labour or twin pregnancies. The Student’s t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, analysis of variants (ANOVA) and logistic regression were employed to analyse the data. Main outcome measures Gestational age at birth, PTL (i.e.