Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure
(LEEP)
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- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) Overview
- LEEP Preparation
- LEEP Procedure
- LEEP Post-procedure
- LEEP Risks and Complications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Author and Editor
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) Overview
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a technique used in the treatment of mild to moderate precancerous changes (dysplasia) of the uterine cervix (cervical dysplasia). The cervix is the base of the womb (uterus) that leads out to the birth canal (vagina). LEEP can sometimes also be used to treat severe dysplasia or cancers that have not invaded into the deeper tissues of the cervix (known as carcinoma in situ).
With the LEEP technique, a low voltage electric current is used to cut away the abnormal tissues. Unlike techniques that destroy the abnormal tissue (such as laser or freezing), the abnormal tissue is retained after LEEP, allowing for microscopic examination by a pathologist.
LEEP generally does not have significant risks or side effects, but mild pain, cramping, and vaginal bleeding can occur. LEEP is also sometimes referred to as large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).
LEEP Preparation
LEEP is performed after the precancerous changes of the cervix have been identified through screening tests and cervical biopsies. Typically, findings on the screening Pap test will signal that further examination of the cervix is necessary. Colposcopy is the examination of the vulva, vaginal walls, and uterine cervix using illumination and magnification in order to detect and examine abnormalities of these structures. Colposcopy is performed to evaluate abnormal Pap test results. During colposcopy, further testing, including biopsies (sampling of abnormal-appearing areas for examination by a pathologist) are performed to determine whether cancer or precancerous changes are present.
If dysplasia confirmed through colposcopy and/or biopsies, treatment options, including LEEP, are considered.
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Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
Colposcopy Introduction
Colposcopy is the direct magnified inspection of the surface of a woman’s genital area, including the cervix, vagina, and vulva, using a light source and a binocular microscope. Doctors use the test to evaluate potentially cancerous areas, typically after a Pap smear has indicated the possibility of such a problem. Your doctor also may perform a biopsy (take a sample) of an abnormal area during the procedure.
Colposcopy also can be used to detect inflammatory or infectious changes, harmless or cancerous growths, and traumatic injuries to the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Because the procedure is highly specialized, you should make sure that your doctor has performed many such examinations.
Risks
The procedure is relatively safe. Major risks include bleeding, infection, and pelvic or abdominal pain. Colposcopy during pregnancy may cause complications with the pregnancy, including early labor.
Although colposcopy g...
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