Understanding the LEEP procedure
The LEEP procedure, or loop electrosurgical excision, is a minimally invasive procedure that allows our physicians to diagnose and treat abnormal cells that grow on the surface of your cervix. Your cervix is part of your lower genital tract. It’s the narrow, lower area between your uterus and vagina. Abnormal cervical cancer screening results could indicate cervical dysplasia, or abnormal cell growth.
Dysplasia is not cancerous. However, if our physicians don’t treat the issue, the cells can become malignant.
Our physicians perform LEEP to evaluate abnormal cervical cancer screening results
The physicians at Athens OBGYN may recommend LEEP if your Pap smear or a biopsy shows abnormal cell growth in the cervix. This minimally invasive procedure allows us to remove the abnormal cells and test them to see if you have precancerous cervical dysplasia. Treating cervical dysplasia can prevent cervical cancer. Our team also performs LEEP to treat polyps or genital warts.
If you are pregnant, or if you have an inflamed cervix or acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), you should not have LEEP. Your physician can talk to you about alternatives.
What to expect if you have the LEEP procedure
LEEP is an outpatient procedure. Your physician uses a speculum to widen your vagina and view your cervix, with the help of a colposcope that magnifies the view. After your OBGYN numbs your cervix with local anesthesia, they insert a thin LEEP wire, heated with electrical current, to remove a layer of abnormal tissue. Our team sends the tissue they remove out for testing. LEEP takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Afterward, you rest, usually for a half hour or less, until you feel comfortable enough to drive yourself home.
Risks and recovery
Even though the LEEP procedure is extremely safe, you should know the risks involved. The most common risk is heavy bleeding. Rarely, you could develop an infection. Call your OBGYN if you have heavy bleeding, bleeding that contains clots, severe cramping, abdominal pain, or a fever. Here’s what you can normally expect after the LEEP procedure.
- Some mild cramps
- Discharge that is pink-colored and watery
- Discharge that is brown-black in color, from medicine our physicians use for bleeding control
You can take an over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as Tylenol, if you need it. Don’t take aspirin because that can increase bleeding. We will give you instructions about your limitations after surgery.
The physicians at Athens OBGYN skillfully perform minimally invasive procedures
The physicians at Athens OBGYN do everything possible to provide early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Scheduling your annual well-woman exam and getting regular cervical cancer screening helps us keep you healthy.
If your Pap smear or other tests provide abnormal cervical cancer screening results, the LEEP procedure may help us detect cervical dysplasia and prevent cervical cancer. You can rely on our surgeons’ skill and expertise if you need LEEP or any other minimally invasive gynecological surgery. Contact us for an appointment.