LEEPEl LEEP

LEEP

LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) is an effective outpatient treatment for dysplasia (abnormal cell growth). A fine wire loop with a special high-frequency current allows your doctor to precisely remove the abnormal tissue from your cervix.

The Procedure

  • Schedule LEEP for a time when you are not menstruating.

  • You'll place your feet in stirrups and your doctor will insert a speculum (a small device) into your vagina.

  • Your cervix is numbed with a local anesthetic.

  • A mild vinegar or iodine solution is applied to your cervix to highlight any dysplasia.

  • Your doctor may look through a colposcope to get a close-up view of your cervix.

Removing the Abnormal Tissue

View of colposcope in vagina
The loop is inserted through your vagina and moved toward the cervix.

View of colposcope in vagina
The loop is used to remove a small piece of cervical tissue.

View of colposcope in vagina
To reduce bleeding, a medicated solution may be applied to the cervix. The solution often causes a dark vaginal discharge for a few days after the procedure. Your cervix should heal completely within a few weeks.

 

Be sure to call your doctor if you experience:

  • Heavy bleeding or bleeding with clots

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Fever

  • Foul-smelling discharge

 

Publication Source: About.com

Publication Source: American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology

Online Source: About.com

Online Source: American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2005-09-28T00:00:00-06:00

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