Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) for Abnormal Cervical Cell Changes
Surgery Overview
A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) removes tissue from the cervix, Opens dialog. You may have this done if you've had a Pap test or colposcopy that shows tissue that isn't normal.
During LEEP, your doctor will put a tool called a speculum, Opens dialog into your vagina. It opens the vagina a little bit. This lets your doctor see the cervix and inside the vagina. A special fluid is sometimes put on your cervix to make certain areas easier to see.
You may get a shot of medicine to numb the cervix. You may feel cramps when you have the shot. You may also get pain medicine.
Your doctor will put a device with a fine wire loop into your vagina. The doctor uses the heated wire to cut out tissue. After the procedure, another doctor will look at the tissue under a microscope and check it for abnormal cells.
You may have mild cramps for several hours after LEEP. A dark brown discharge during the first week is normal. You may have some spotting for about 3 weeks.
LEEP is done in a doctor's office, a clinic, or a hospital. It takes only a few minutes. You can go home after the procedure.
You can probably return to your normal routine in about a week. How long it takes you to recover will depend on how much was done.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
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