Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin wire loop to precisely cut out areas of the cervix. The cervix is a neck-like structure that connects the vagina and uterus. LEEP is done to remove abnormal cervical cells.
LEEP is often done after abnormal cells have been found on the cervix. These abnormal cells are often found on a Pap test . If the cells found on a Pap test show cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells) or cancer cells, a LEEP may be done.
If you are planning to have LEEP, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
In the weeks leading up to the procedure:
The day of the procedure:
Local anesthesia is often used for a LEEP. This will keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. You will be awake during the procedure. The anesthesia may be applied with a lotion or injected into the area.
You will lie on your back on a table with your feet up in foot rests. The doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina. This tool will separate the vaginal walls. This will allow the doctor to see the cervix. Anesthesia will be applied to the cervix to numb the area.
The doctor will then apply a solution to the cervical area. The solution will show the abnormal area that needs to be removed. The doctor will insert a thin wire into the vagina toward the cervix. You will hear a vacuum-like noise. You may also hear a humming noise. The thin wire loop is like a surgical knife. The doctor will be able to gently remove the abnormal tissue. You will need to stay very still. The doctor will cauterize the area. This process heats the blood vessels to stop bleeding. A paste may also be applied to stop bleeding.
LEEP only takes a few minutes.
You may feel cramping during LEEP. You should not feel any sharp pain.
Your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked. Once you are feeling okay, you will be able to go home.
After the procedure, you may have:
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Women’s Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca/
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of
Canada
http://www.sogc.org/
References:
LEEP patient pamphlet. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp110.cfm. Accessed April 10, 2009.
Neff D. Endometrial ablation. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated May 2009. Accessed September 30, 2009.
Patient fact sheet: LEEP. American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology website. Available at: http://www.asccp.org/pdfs/patient_edu/leep.pdf. Accessed April 10, 2009.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Ganson Purcell, Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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