LEEP stands for loop electrosurgical excision procedure, which involves removing abnormal tissue from the cervix. The procedure is performed with an electrical wired loop which uses a low voltage electrical current. LEEP is used to treat conditions like moderate or severe dysplasia. It can also be used as a diagnostic technique for confirming the presence of cancerous cells in the cervix.
The need for a LEEP procedure may be confirmed from the results of the following diagnostic techniques:-
A LEEP is performed when the patient is not menstruating. The patient will have to lie on her back and place her legs in stirrups for the doctor to be able to examine the cervix. Pain medication may be given through an IV or in the form a pill before the procedure commences. The doctor inserts a speculum in the vagina in order to spread apart the walls of the vagina for the examination of the cervix. A colposcope, an instrument with lens similar to that of a microscope, is used to look for the areas that need to be treated. Local anesthesia is administered through a small needle to numb the cervix. The wired loop (LEEP wire) is then inserted into the cervix and to cut a thin layer of tissue from the cervix. This may be done once or more depending on the nature of the procedure. The tissue is then studied in a lab to look for abnormalities and confirm the diagnosis.
The procedure is usually safe and without any extreme complications. However, there may be a few side effects and risks in certain cases as mentioned below:-
LEEP is usually an out- patient procedure and can also be performed in a doctor’s office. It is a short procedure, and usually does not take more than 20- 30 minutes. The patient can go home the same day post the procedure. The patient is advised to not use tampons or have sexual intercourse for a minimum of four to five weeks post procedure. Strenuous activities like lifting are also to be avoided. The patient should check for any problems like bleeding and report it to the doctor.