TESTS AND PROCEDURES

LEEP

March 30, 2018

LEEP

LEEP stands for loop electrosurgical excision procedure. It is used to treat dysplasia (abnormal cell growth). A fine wire loop is used to remove a small amount of tissue from your cervix. This can be done in the healthcare provider’s office. You can go back to your routine the same day. Schedule your LEEP for a time when you are not menstruating.

During the procedure

You’ll place your feet in stirrups. Your healthcare provider then inserts a speculum into your vagina. The speculum holds the walls of the vagina open to let the health care provider see the cervix:

  • Your cervix is numbed with a local anesthetic.

  • A mild vinegar or iodine solution may be applied to your cervix. This helps to highlight any dysplasia.

  • Your healthcare provider may look through a colposcope. This helps him or her to get a close-up view of your cervix.

  • The loop is inserted through your vagina and moved toward the cervix.

  • The loop is used to remove a small piece of cervical tissue.

  • A medicated solution may be applied to the cervix. This helps reduce bleeding.

View of colposcope in vagina

View of colposcope in vagina

View of colposcope in vagina

After the procedure

You may have a watery, pink discharge and mild cramping following the procedure. Also, the solution used to decrease bleeding may cause a dark, vaginal discharge for a few days. Do not place anything in your vagina or have intercourse until your healthcare provider tells you it is OK. Your cervix should heal completely within a few weeks.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

  • Heavy bleeding or bleeding with clots

  • Severe belly pain

  • Fever

Updated:  

March 30, 2018

Sources:  

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: Procedures for Cervical Conization. UpToDate, Sisk J. The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health. 2013;3:828-31.

Reviewed By:  

Freeborn, Donna, PhD, CNM, FNP,Sacks, Daniel, MD, FACOG