What is LEEP?
LEEP is short for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. The procedure uses a fine wire loop heated by an electric current to remove tissue & cells from the cervix. The hot loop acts as a surgical knife.
This procedure is used as part of the diagnosis & treatment of abnormal or cancerous conditions in women.
LEEP operation uses a wire loop that carries a low-voltage electrical current to cut away a thin layer of abnormal tissue.
It’s typically performed after abnormal cells are found during:
- Pap Smear Test (Paps)
- Colposcopy
- Cervical biopsy
How is LEEP done?
You will be asked to lie down on the exam table with your feet elevated in stirrups, just like when you have a Pap smear.
- Open the vaginal walls: The physician will then insert a speculum to help open the vaginal walls, which will allow access to the cervix. An acetic acid such as vinegar or iodine will be applied to your cervix to help make the abnormal areas of tissue more easily recognized.
- Remove the abnormal areas: After the area is numbed using a local anesthetic the physician will use the fine wire loop which will deliver a low-voltage electrical current while it’s passed through the tissues to remove the abnormal areas.
- Prevent bleeding: Finally, the blood vessels in the area are sealed and Monsel’s solution will be applied to prevent bleeding. The tissue is then sent to the lab for examination.
The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes. Most women can go home 15-20 minutes following the procedure.
What Can I Expect After the LEEP Procedure?
Many women experience mild cramping and pain for a day or two following the procedure. Spotting and vaginal discharge commonly occur for a few weeks after
LEEP procedure. It’s important to not douche or use tampons for several weeks following.
In general, women should wait 3-4 weeks after the procedure before having vaginal intercourse. This will allow your cervix to heal & helps reduce the risk of infection.