What is Loop Electrical Excision Procedure (LEEP)?
LEEP is a treatment in which an electrical wire is used to remove an abnormal piece of tissue on the cervix.
When is this performed?
A LEEP excision procedure is performed if an area of abnormal cervical cells (called dysplasia or CIN) is diagnosed by colposcopy and biopsy. A LEEP excision may be performed in a clinician's office.
How is this procedure performed?
It is done with the patient in the same position used for taking a Pap smear. It takes about 10 minutes.
Is it painful?
All patients are given a small amount of numbing medication (local anesthetic) injected into the cervix. Some patients experience mild discomfort or cramping, but most don't feel anything.
What can I expect after this procedure?
After treatment, you may experience mild cramping for up to 24 hours. You probably will have a watery vaginal discharge for several weeks. This discharge may be heavy for a few days or may be mixed with a little blood. There may be some odor to the discharge. If this happens, wash the labia (lips) off with plain water several times a day for a few days.
What are the risks of this procedure?
Most women do not experience serious side effects from this procedure. However, very rarely, serious complications can occur. These include damage to other pelvic organs or the vaginal walls, pelvic infection (particularly if you have sex before the cervix heals), or excessive bleeding (about 1 in 100 women has bleeding that may require a return visit to the office).
The risk that this treatment will fail to cure the problem is about 10%. If the condition is left untreated, it may progress to cancer. For this reason, it is essential that you keep your appointments for follow-up care.
Some Things To Remember After The Procedure:
To speed healing and prevent infection, follow these instructions:
- Use sanitary pads rather than tampons, if needed, for 3 weeks.
- Do not have intercourse for 3 weeks, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
- Do not douche your vagina for at least 3 weeks.
- Oral pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil, may be used for cramps.
- CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER if you have any questions or any unusual or unexpected symptoms, such as:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or bleeding heavier than the heaviest day of your period
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Fever or chills
- Abdominal pain
It is very important to have follow-up care as instructed by your healthcare provider. More frequent visits to your provider will be needed for awhile. Be sure you understand the schedule for follow-up tests and procedures.
You will need follow-up visits every 4-6 months for 2 years.