The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is used to remove a small portion of the cervix. This is a larger piece of tissue than is usually removed with a simple cervical biopsy. The excised tissue is sent to the lab for further evaluation which insures that the lesion was completely removed, as well as allowing for a more accurate assessment of the abnormal area.
You may want to take some over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen before arriving at your physician's office for the procedure. This will help minimize any pain during or following the procedure. Always follow your doctors instructions for preparation for the LEEP.
What happens during the LEEP procedure?
The LEEP procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and is usually performed in your physician's office. In some ways it may seem much like a normal pelvic exam because you will lie on the exam table with your feet in the stirrups. A colposcope will be used to guide your doctor to the abnormal area.
An electrosurgical dispersive pad will be placed on your thigh. The pad is a gel-covered adhesive electrode which provides a safe return path for the electrosurgical current. A single-use, disposable loop electrode will be attached to the generator hand piece by your physician. Your cervix will be prepared with acetic acid and iodine solutions that enable your physician to more easily see the extent of the abnormal area. Next a local anesthetic will be injected into the cervix. Finally, the wire loop will be activated and the wire loop will pass through the surface of your cervix.
After the lesion is removed your physician may use a ball electrode to stop any bleeding that occurs; he may also use a topical solution to prevent further bleeding. You can leave your physician's office soon after the procedure.
Are there any complications associated with the LEEP?
Complications are usually mild but can include:
- mild pain or discomfort
- bleeding
- In rare cases, or with repeated procedures, the cervix can be weakened. This can result in cervical incompetance. This can be associated with pre-term labor and pre-mature delivery.
You should call your physician if you experience bleeding that is heavier than a normal period, or if pain is severe. Other symptoms that should be reported to your physician include any heavy vaginal discharge or strong vaginal odor.
After the LEEP you should not:
- Have sexual intercourse for as long as recommended by your physician
- Lift heavy objects
- Use tampons
- Douche
- Take tub baths--take showers only to prevent infection
Follow your doctor's instructions closely after your LEEP procedure; he will tell you when to return for follow-up Pap smears and/or colposcopy. It is imperative that you keep these follow-up appointments to be sure that the abnormal area was completely removed and that it has not returned. Always call your physician if you have any questions.
