The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is used when your Pap smear indicates the presence of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. This does not mean you have cancer, but treatment of the abnormal area is important to prevent the cells from developing into cervical cancer.
LEEP uses a thin wire loop electrode which is attached to an electrosurgical generator. The generator transmits a painless electrical current that quickly cuts away the affected cervical tissue in the immediate area of the loop wire. This causes the abnormal cells to rapidly heat and burst, and separates the tissue as the loop wire moves through the cervix.
This technique allows Dr. Imtiaz to send the excised tissue to the lab for further evaluation which ensures that the lesion was completely removed, as well as allowing for a more accurate assessment of the abnormal area.
You may want to take some over-the-counter pain medications about 30 minutes prior to the procedure. Most patients do not need any further pain medications.
This procedure can often be done in the office or as an outpatient procedure at the surgery center.
Complications: Generally speaking complications are very rare with this procedure but may include bleeding. In very rare situations, this procedure can result in shortening of the cervix which can result in miscarriages or an incompetent cervix. In some situations scar tissue may develop around the cervix which can increase your risk of c-section during a delivery.
Post op care:
- No sex for two weeks
- Do not use tampons for two weeks
- Please refrain from baths and only take showers
- If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding please consult me immediately.