Table of Contents
- Summary
- What is the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)?
- What Happens During the Procedure?
- Risks Associated with LEEP
- Recovery Process After Your LEEP Procedure
- Warning Signs to Look For After Your Procedure
- Implications for Future Pregnancy
- After LEEP Follow-Up
- Taking Care of Your Cervical Health
Summary:
- The Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a quick, in-office treatment used to remove abnormal cervical cells, typically taking around 10 to 20 minutes.
- LEEP is often performed after an abnormal Pap test or colposcopy to diagnose and treat precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix.
- A small wire loop, powered by an electrical current, removes affected tissue from the cervix, followed by measures and a recovery plan to prevent bleeding and ensure healing.
- Full recovery from LEEP takes around four weeks, with minimal risks. Alert your doctor if you notice heavy bleeding or abnormal pain, and let them know if you are or plan to be pregnant.
The Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a quick, in-office treatment to remove abnormal cervical cells, often recommended after an abnormal Pap test or colposcopy. The procedure takes just 10 to 20 minutes and uses a small, electrically charged wire to remove affected tissue. Overall, LEEP is a safe and efficient way to address abnormal cervical cells, helping to protect your health with minimal downtime and low risk.
What is the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)?
The Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a quick and effective treatment used to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. Completed in your doctor’s office, LEEP typically takes just 10 to 20 minutes and is performed while patients are awake. During the procedure, a small wire loop powered by an electrical current carefully removes a thin layer of affected cells from the cervix. This procedure is a straightforward process designed to get you back to feeling your best.
When is LEEP Used?
The primary purpose of the LEEP procedure is to diagnose and treat abnormal cell growth on the cervix, whether it’s precancerous or cancerous. This procedure is commonly recommended following an abnormal Pap test or colposcopy result, offering a proactive way to address these changes early.
- A Pap test is a procedure that involves collecting cells from the cervix to test for precancerous conditions of the cervix and cervical cancer.
- A colposcopy is an exam that uses a special magnifying instrument to look closely at the cervix. This is to test for genital warts, polyps, or precancerous cells.
Depending on the results from either the pap test or colposcopy, your doctor may recommend the LEEP procedure to remove precancerous or cancerous cells from your cervix.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have your period or are taking blood thinner medication. If you are or may be pregnant, your doctor may perform a blood or urine pregnancy test before the procedure.
What Happens During the Procedure?
To help keep you informed, we’ve broken down the LEEP procedure into a step-by-step guide.
Step One: Your doctor will use a speculum, similar to that used during a Pap test, to gently open the vagina and examine the cervix. A lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope will be used to provide a more magnified view of the cervix.
Step Two: A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the cervix, followed by a vinegar solution called acetic acid to highlight any abnormal areas. You may experience a mild burning sensation during this process.
Step Three: The loop cautery is inserted through the speculum to remove cervical tissue from the outer surface, which includes any abnormal cells. You might feel some movement and touch, but there should be no pain. Once the tissue is removed, a small rollerball may be used to cauterize the base of the cervix, preventing any bleeding and eliminating any remaining microscopic abnormal cells.
Step Four: A medicated paste will be applied to the area to help prevent bleeding. You may notice brown or black clumpy discharge as a result of this treatment.
Step Five: The abnormal tissue will then be sent to the pathology lab to be assessed carefully under a microscope.
Risks Associated with LEEP
While LEEP is generally a safe procedure, there are some risks to be aware of. Risks can include:
- Bleeding: Light spotting is considered normal after the procedure, but heavy bleeding–although rare–should prompt a call to your medical provider.
- Infection: This can present as pelvic pain, fever, discharge with pus, or abnormal bleeding or spotting that is persistent. Infection occurs in up to 2% of cases and can typically be managed with antibiotics.
- Cervical stenosis: There’s a small risk of scar tissue developing over the cervix, which can lead to narrowing. This is more common in post-menopausal women, those who have undergone multiple LEEP procedures, or in cases where a larger amount of tissue is removed.
Recovery Process After Your LEEP Procedure
After the procedure, you can go home, but full recovery can take approximately four weeks. Avoid excessive activity for 48 hours and limit exercise for a week. To allow the cervix to heal, refrain from intercourse and avoid inserting anything into the vagina for at least four weeks. You can shower as normal, and you may wear a sanitary pad if you experience bleeding.
Mild cramping, spotting, and dark or black discharge are normal, and over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can help with any discomfort.
Warning Signs to Look For After Your Procedure
Be sure to alert your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding
- Bleeding with clots
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Fever or chills
- Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain
Implications for Future Pregnancy
LEEP is a highly effective method for detecting and treating abnormal cervical cells. However, undergoing a LEEP procedure may slightly increase the risks associated with future pregnancies.
Risks can include:
- Pre-term delivery: Delivery of the baby before the 37-week mark.
- Second-trimester pregnancy loss: A miscarriage can occur during the 14th-28th week of pregnancy.
- Improper dilation: Severe narrowing of the cervix can potentially impact its ability to dilate properly during labour.
Overall, these risks are minimal, especially when only a small amount of tissue has been removed.
After LEEP Follow-Up
After the procedure, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to review your results. Additional Pap tests and colposcopies will be done to confirm that all abnormal cells have been completely removed. The follow-up period varies but is generally between 1 to 2 years.
Taking Care of Your Cervical Health
LEEP offers an efficient and minimally invasive solution for addressing abnormal cervical cells. While generally low-risk, it’s important to be aware of potential complications and follow your recommended recovery plan to ensure proper healing. With timely follow-ups and ongoing monitoring through Pap tests and colposcopies, LEEP provides an effective way to manage your cervical health and prevent further complications. By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your well-being.
