Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): Overview
A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) removes tissue from the cervix. 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 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.
Why is a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) done?
LEEP may be used to treat cell changes on the cervix. It can also help to diagnose abnormal cells. The tissue that is removed during LEEP can be checked for abnormal cell changes or cancer.
After loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- A fever.
- You have bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks one or more pads in an hour.
- You have vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness or swelling in your leg.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
How well does a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) work?
LEEP works very well to treat abnormal cell changes on the cervix.
If all of the abnormal tissue is removed, you won't need more surgery. In most cases, doctors are able to remove all the abnormal cells. But abnormal cells may come back in the future.
How do you prepare for a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)?
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
Preparing for the procedure
- Tell your doctor if:
- You are having your menstrual period.
- You are or might be pregnant. A blood or urine test may be done to see if you are pregnant.
- Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
How can you care for yourself after a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)?
Activity
- 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.
- Try to walk each day. You can resume regular exercise when you are feeling better.
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
Other instructions
- Use a sanitary pad if you have bleeding.
- Do not have vaginal sex or place anything in your vagina for 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure or until your doctor tells you it is okay. Do not douche.
- You can take a shower anytime after the procedure. Ask your doctor when it is okay to take a bath.
- Depending on the biopsy results, you will have regular follow-up HPV tests, Pap tests, or colposcopic exams. Your doctor will tell you what follow-up tests you should have and when you need to have them done.
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