Should vaginal colposcopy be done for postoperative follow-up of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer surgery usually requires vaginal colposcopy examination. Vaginal colposcopy is one of the important methods for postoperative follow-up of cervical cancer, which helps to timely detect local recurrence or new lesions. Postoperative follow-up for cervical cancer mainly includes colposcopy examination, imaging examination, and tumor marker detection. The main purpose of vaginal colposcopy after cervical cancer surgery is to observe whether there are any abnormal lesions in the vaginal stump and cervical area. Vaginal colposcopy can magnify and observe subtle changes in the cervix and vaginal wall. Combined with acetic acid and iodine tests, it can more clearly identify suspicious lesions. For patients with preserved uterus, colposcopy can directly examine whether there are abnormal blood vessels or acetic acid white lesions in the cervical epithelium. Vaginal colposcopy is usually scheduled for the first follow-up examination 3-6 months after surgery, and then every 6-12 months depending on the condition. Vaginal examination is a non-invasive procedure, and there may be slight discomfort during the process, but it is usually tolerable.

Some special circumstances may not require routine vaginal colposcopy examination. For patients who have undergone total hysterectomy and have a negative surgical margin confirmed by pathology, if no abnormalities are found in multiple follow-up examinations, doctors may reduce the frequency of vaginal colposcopy examination at their discretion. For elderly patients or those with severe underlying diseases, if their life expectancy is limited and there are no obvious clinical symptoms, the examination plan may also be adjusted. But such situations need to be decided by the attending physician based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual's condition. After cervical cancer surgery, patients should follow the doctor's advice for regular follow-up examinations, and in addition to colposcopy, other examination items should also be included. In daily life, attention should be paid to observing symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, keeping the perineum clean, exercising appropriately to enhance immunity, and avoiding bad habits such as smoking. The postoperative diet should ensure a balanced nutrition and consume more foods rich in high-quality protein and vitamins, which can help the body recover.