Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

What is loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)?

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) diagnoses and treats abnormal tissue on your cervix. Your cervix is a small opening that connects the uterus to the vagina.

During a gynecology visit your provider may have performed a Pap test or colposcopy. If the results were abnormal, it means that some cells in the cervical tissue look different than normal (cervical dysplasia). This abnormal tissue isn’t cancerous but could become cervical cancer if it isn’t removed.

Penn Medicine’s skilled providers use LEEP to remove the tissue from your cervix. We use advanced technology and minimally invasive techniques to help you feel less discomfort and recover quicker after the procedure.

After the LEEP procedure, our pathologists look at the tissue sample under the microscope to confirm whether abnormal cells are present.

Who is a candidate for LEEP?

Your provider may recommend LEEP if they find abnormal cells on your cervix during or after a:

  • Colposcopy: Examination of your cervical tissue using a special, lighted magnifying instrument
  • Biopsy: Removal of a small tissue sample from your cervix
  • Pap test: Screening that tests cells taken from your cervix with a small brush

What to expect during a LEEP procedure

Your provider will explain each step of the loop electrosurgical excision procedure and answer your questions. We do LEEP when you’re not on your period, so we schedule the procedure to avoid that time in your cycle.

LEEP recovery

The recovery time is different for every patient and depends on how much cervical tissue your doctor removed. Your doctor will let you know when you can return to normal activities. You should avoid vaginal intercourse or putting anything in your vagina until your provider says it’s okay.

You may need regular human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, Pap tests, and colposcopies. Your provider will tell you when to repeat these tests so we can catch any cervical changes early on when treatment is the most successful.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure risks

Most people don’t have issues after LEEP. However, there are some risks, including:

  • Bleeding that requires stitches or a transfusion
  • Cervical narrowing that can impact your ability to become pregnant
  • Increased risk of miscarriage or preterm delivery
  • Infection
  • Scarring

LEEP expertise at Penn Medicine

At Penn Medicine, we perform a high volume of LEEP procedures each year. This means our team provides excellent care supported by extensive experience.

If cervical cancer is detected, you receive seamless, coordinated care. We connect you with experts at the Jordan Center for Gynecologic Cancers, where you get outstanding, personalized treatment.

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