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What is a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) and why is it done?

Cervical cells grow and shed constantly. Sometimes, these cells can change and become abnormal. The presence of abnormal cells, or Dysplasia, can be an early warning that cancer may occur.

If other tests (such as a pap smear, colposcopy, or biopsy) show that you have any abnormal cells on your cervix, your doctor may recommend the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

The LEEP is used to remove the abnormal cells from your cervix, and can be performed safely and conveniently right in our offices.

How is LEEP performed?

The LEEP uses a thin wire loop that acts like a scalpel (surgical knife). An electric current is passed through the loop, which cuts away a thin layer of the surface cells of the cervix. The tissue and cells removed from your cervix will be studied in a lab, and your doctor will discuss the results with you as soon as they are available.

The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you may be given pain relief medication before the procedure. Your cervix will be numbed with a local anesthetic, and you will be awake during the procedure. Recovery time is short, and your doctor will discuss recovery instructions with you.

How We Can Help

It is very important that you follow your doctor’s recommended schedule for Pap tests, as they are an excellent way to find changes that could become cancer. The LEEP will give you even more information, and can be done safely and conveniently right in our offices.

If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms (pain or bleeding), or would just like more information, please make an appointment to see one of our physicians right away.