Carbon Dioxide Laser Surgery for Abnormal Cervical Cell Changes

Carbon dioxide laser surgery is able to destroy or remove abnormal tissue that is too high in the cervix to be destroyed with cryosurgery.

A carbon dioxide laser can be used to perform a cone biopsy (conization) but is not used as frequently as other conization methods because:

• It requires more specialized training to perform.
• A larger amount of tissue is burned at the margin of the biopsy.
• It is more expensive.

If you have carbon dioxide laser surgery, you need regular follow-up Pap tests. You should have a Pap test in 4 to 6 months or as often as recommended by your doctor. After several Pap test results are normal, you and your doctor can decide how often to schedule future Pap tests.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

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