Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for genital warts: Overview
The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to remove genital warts by heating the margin of the area to be removed, which separates the wart from the skin.
LEEP is done in a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital on an outpatient basis. A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area.
Why is a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for genital warts done?
LEEP may be used to treat large, external warts and warts on the cervix.
How well does a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for genital warts work?
- LEEP may be as effective as other surgeries to remove warts, but scarring may occur.
- During LEEP, only a small amount of normal tissue is removed at the edges of the wart tissue.
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