Introduction: Introduced in 1992, the Shimodaira-Taniguchi conization procedure addresses the disadvantages of the loop electrosurgical excision procedure by relying on a high frequency current of 150 W and a triangular probe with a 0.25-mm linear excision electrode to extract a single informative specimen. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate Shimodaira-Taniguchi conization as a conservative therapy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and microinvasive cancer of the cervix.

Methods: Subjects were 455 patients who underwent Shimodaira-Taniguchi conization for CIN, carcinoma in situ, adenocarcinoma in situ, or stage IA microinvasive cervical carcinoma at our hospital from January 2005 to December 2008. Patient follow-up ranged from 13 to 60 months. Clinical data were obtained and evaluated.

Results: Mean operation time was 11 minutes, and average blood loss was 9.9 mL. Margins were positive in 178 (39.1%) cases. Postsurgical complications occurred in 61 patients, with secondary hemorrhage occurring in 46 patients. None required transfusion. None were lost to follow-up, and there was no disease-related death. Disease recurred in 6 (1.3%) patients: 4 with a positive excision margin and 2 with a negative margin. Cervical stenosis occurred in 15 (3.3%) patients, 3 of whom suffered cervical obstruction, including 1 with dysmenorrhea who underwent hysterectomy. In most cases (n = 357, 78%), a single adequate specimen was extracted.

Conclusions: As a conservative treatment for CIN and microinvasive cervical cancer, Shimodaira-Taniguchi conization is useful. It is easy, provides adequate histologic specimens (often singular), and results in few postoperative complications.