Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is the cutting (excision) and removal of part of the cervix. The cervix is the bottom part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. The tissue that is removed from the cervix is then examined to see if there are precancerous cells or cancer cells present. LEEP may be done when:
• You have abnormal bleeding from your cervix.
• You have an abnormal Pap test result.
• Your health care provider finds an abnormality on your cervix during a pelvic exam.
LEEP typically only takes a few minutes and is often done in the health care provider's office. The procedure is safe for women who are trying to get pregnant. However, the procedure is usually not done during a …show more content…
• Increased risk of early (preterm) labor in future pregnancies.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• Ask your health care provider about:
○ Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
○ Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• Your health care provider may recommend that you take pain medicine before the procedure.
• Plan to have someone take you home after the procedure.
PROCEDURE
• An instrument called a speculum will be placed in your vagina. This allows your health care provider to see the cervix.
• You will be given a medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic). The medicine will be injected into your cervix and the surrounding area.
• A solution will be applied to your cervix to find the abnormal cells that need to be removed.
• A thin wire loop will be passed through your vagina. The wire will be used to burn (cauterize) the cervical tissue with an electrical current.
• The abnormal cervical tissue will be