Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)

A LEEP is performed as an out patient procedure to treat abnormal cell changes (dysplasia) on the cervix. The purpose is to stop the abnormal changes on the cervix from turning into cancer. A LEEP can offer a cure of abnormal changes, as well as help prevent cancer of the cervix.

A LEEP can be easily done in the office. You will be in the same position as you would for your Pap test and Colposcopy. Numbing medicine is injected into your cervix a few minutes before the LEEP is done. A fine wire loop with a special high frequency current is used to remove the abnormal tissue from the cervix. After the tissue is removed, any bleeding is stopped with a special paste called Monsel’s solution. This medicine will come out of the vagina over the next few days and be black and clumpy. The tissue that is taken from your cervix is sent to the lab to be examined to see how abnormal the changes on the cervix are, if all the areas were removed, and if further treatments need to be done. LEEP is about 85-93% effective.

The risks include but are not limited to heavy bleeding, infection, cramping, incomplete removal of all abnormal tissue, and scarring of the cervix. Rare but possible complications include weakening of the cervix that could cause problems during pregnancy.

With reference to pregnancy “incompetent cervix” is an uncommon complication that can cause a late miscarriage in the 2^nd trimester of your pregnancy.  You should make your obstetrician aware at the time of your early pregnancy that you have had a LEEP in the past.

After your LEEP you may have the following:

Cramping	A thick brownish black discharge
Light vaginal bleeding	A slight increase in bleeding with your next period

To ensure complete healing – DO NOT:

Have sex until you are seen back in the office

Do any vigorous exercise

Your doctor will tell you when you can return to your normal life style.

Please call the office right away if you have any of the following occurs:

Heavy bleeding or bleeding with clots	Severe abdominal pain
Fever	Foul smelling discharge

You will need to return to the office for a check up after your LEEP.

You will also need to have more frequent Pap smears over the next two years.