Patient and provider perspectives on LEEP/LLETZ treatment and outcomes: an interview study

Abstract Background The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) effectively treat cervical dysplasia, though some women have reported negative outcomes postoperatively (e.g., sexual dysfunction, psychosexual sequalae). There is insufficient understanding of patient experiences with these symptoms and perspectives from the providers who perform LEEP/LLETZ. Aim To characterize the perceptions and experiences of LEEP/LLETZ treatment from providers and patients, including whether there is a characteristic symptom profile of women who report negative outcomes. Methods Patients who had LEEP/LLETZ treatment and reported negative outcomes and providers who perform LEEP/LLETZ completed semistructured interviews about their perceptions and experiences, which were coded through thematic analysis (NVivo 12; QSR International). Patients also completed an online survey assessing demographics, medical history, and sexual function. Outcomes Outcomes included perspectives generated from patient and provider interviews regarding LEEP/LLETZ procedural outcomes, including symptoms and experiences related to sexual functioning. Results Perspectives and experiences gathered from patient and provider interviews revealed misaligned narratives surrounding LEEP/LLETZ outcomes and treatment. We identified 4 overarching themes encapsulating provider and patient responses: Expectations for Preoperative Consultation; Procedure Experiences; Attitudes; and Resources. Patients reported a unique symptom profile and negative outcome experiences, namely surrounding domains of sexual functioning: decreased physical sensations, orgasm response, and vaginal discharge, as well as loss of arousal, interest, and desire. Patients described changes to overall quality of life, with impacts to interpersonal relationships. Patients discussed preferring open-ended and directed questions to comprehensively elucidate negative outcomes. Provider narratives outlined the current process of care, emphasizing limited experiences with adverse outcomes (e.g., sexual issues) and the use of open-ended questions during counseling. Providers described an evolving intention to create comfortable clinical spaces. Regarding pre- and postoperative resources, patients described seeking support from online patient groups, and providers disclosed limitations to providing resources. Clinical Implications Evidence of discordance between patient and provider perspectives of LEEP/LLETZ reveals a need to reassess clinical practices surrounding this procedure at the level of discussions regarding informed consent, sexual function, and available resources. Strengths and Limitations This study is the first to examine patient and provider perspectives on LEEP/LLETZ treatment. Only patients who self-report negative outcomes were recruited, to elicit narratives from this specific subpopulation. Conclusion Results indicate a characteristic symptom profile of women who undergo LEEP/LLETZ and report negative outcomes and that the perceptions of patients and providers differ regarding several aspects of the treatment experience, supporting the need for directed open conversation and comprehensive pre- and postoperative sexual counseling.