{"id":1672,"date":"2023-08-12T07:14:06","date_gmt":"2023-08-12T07:14:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/?p=1672"},"modified":"2023-09-12T07:29:42","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T07:29:42","slug":"what-is-leep-loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/what-is-leep-loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision) Procedure?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Loop electrosurgical excision, or LEEP, is a procedure that can be used to test and treat abnormal cell growth on cervical surface tissue. The cervix is the opening between the uterus and vagina, and with the LEEP procedure, professionals heat a wire loop that can remove the abnormal structures. When the tissue is removed, it can be further examined for cervical dysplasia or precancerous cells. While the chances of cervical cancer after LEEP won\u2019t change for the patient, it can help establish a timely diagnosis and early treatment for better outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this article, our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/womens-reproductive-health-doral-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">reproductive health specialists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Doral Beach Gynecology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> talk about the LEEP procedure, address the process of the procedure, talk about LEEP procedure success rates, and will also address recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Loop Electrosurgical Excision<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Following confirmation of abnormal cervical cells through a Pap smear or a colposcopy biopsy, your healthcare provider might suggest LEEP. Colposcopy is a noninvasive technique that employs a device resembling a microscope to amplify your cervical area, facilitating the identification of abnormal growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">LEEP serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, addressing cervical dysplasia as well as conditions such as genital warts and polyps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1674\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Loop-Electrosurgical-Excision.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait Positive Gynecologist Woman Sitting Near a Colposcope in Her Gynecological Office. Gynecologist Profession\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Loop-Electrosurgical-Excision-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Loop-Electrosurgical-Excision-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Loop-Electrosurgical-Excision-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Loop-Electrosurgical-Excision-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Loop-Electrosurgical-Excision-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Loop-Electrosurgical-Excision-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Loop-Electrosurgical-Excision.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>Before LEEP<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before undergoing the procedure, your doctor will see whether performing the intervention is safe. For instance, patients with PID and cervicitis usually won\u2019t be able to undergo LEEP. Also, patients may need to take a pregnancy test. If they are pregnant, their provider will determine the right timing for the procedure. Typically, the procedure will be scheduled at a time when patients aren\u2019t menstruating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, experts will advise the following preparations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Refraining from using douches, vaginal creams, and sex at least a day before the procedure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Packing a pad before you leave for LEEP so you can handle any heavy discharge after the procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Size taking meds that affect blood clotting, like aspirin or anticoagulants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Take a pain reliever before the procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>During LEEP<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Loop electrosurgical excision may be performed in a hospital, at the gynecologist&#8217;s office, or as an outpatient procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On that note, the procedure resembles a pelvic exam, during which patients will lie on their back and have their feet in stirrups. Then, your provider will use the speculum to widen the vagina to have better access to the cervix. Then, the doctor will put a colposcope near the vaginal opening that will provide a magnified view of the cervix.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Then the LEEP procedure begins:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The provider will numb the cervix with a lidocaine injection.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once the cervix becomes numb, the expert will insert the electrically charged loop.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Next, the provider will remove the thin layers of surface tissue and remove any abnormal structures. Usually, some tissue will be sent for labs to be tested for cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once all this is done, the provider will apply medical paste to the treated area to prevent any bleeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Generally, the procedure takes no longer than 20 minutes, and patients are able to return home whenever they feel up to it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">And while the procedure shouldn\u2019t feel painful, some patients may feel a slight pinch during the lidocaine injection. During the procedure, it\u2019s normal to feel slight discomfort or internal pressure as the cells are being removed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>After LEEP<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After the LEEP procedure, some patients may feel lightheaded. After that, they are free to go home. Usually, rest takes less than 30 minutes, and patients will receive detailed aftercare instructions to speed up their LEEP procedure recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Benefits and Risks<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Typically, LEEP is safe with very rare complications. Normally, infection and bleeding may happen as a complication, just as with every other type of surgery. In some cases, a larger area of tissue needs to be removed, which means that more procedures might be required. Several procedures may weaken the cervix, which may lead to premature birth during pregnancy in rare cases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, LEEP stands as a secure and efficient method for the prevention of cervical cancer. Its success rate is highly commendable, boasting a 90% cure rate. The outcome of a LEEP procedure hinges on several factors, including the extent of your cervical dysplasia and the amount of tissue necessitating removal. In cases where abnormal cells reappear, your healthcare provider may advise further LEEP procedures or alternative treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Benefits-and-Risks.jpg\" alt=\"Female Doctor Transmits Results of Ultrasound Examination to Pregnant Young Woman. Obstetrician Gynecologist Talking With Pregnant Girl in White Room at Medic Clinic\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Benefits-and-Risks-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Benefits-and-Risks-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Benefits-and-Risks-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Benefits-and-Risks-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Benefits-and-Risks-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Benefits-and-Risks-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2023\/09\/Benefits-and-Risks.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>LEEP Procedure Recovery<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As mentioned above, following the intervention, patients will usually feel fatigued. It is pivotal that they get enough rest on the day of the procedure and follow their provider\u2019s guidelines on aftercare.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During recovery, patients can expect the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mild cramping for a few days after the procedure. The cramps might require OTC medications to manage the discomfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vaginal drainage and spotting for a few weeks. The medication past that stops the bleeding will produce <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/symptoms\/4719-vaginal-discharge#:~:text=Vaginal%20discharge%20is%20a%20clear,an%20infection%20or%20other%20problem.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">vaginal discharge<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> right after the intervention, which may have an unpleasant odor. This discharge may be greenish-yellow or brownish-black.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Having undergone LEEP shouldn\u2019t disrupt your cycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You should avoid being excessively active for two days after the procedure and typically restrict exercise for a minimum of one week. After, if you notice any bleeding during exercise unrelated to menstruation, stop what you doing, and give your body more time to rest and heal.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may shower normally but refrain from taking baths until your doctor says they\u2019re safe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, refrain from sexual intercourse for at least four weeks. Also, avoid inserting sex toys and tampons.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Still, you need to understand that LEEP is a treatment form and a diagnostic tool. Removing the surface tissue treats cervical dysplasia as it eliminates the abnormal cells.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Still, in other cases, more interventions may be required; in other cases, experts will recommend more treatments if the abnormal cells start to form again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In more severe cases, experts may recommend a hysterectomy (the removal of the complete uterus) if the cervical dysplasia is more advanced and several LEEP procedures (along with other treatments) haven\u2019t stopped the recurring abnormal cell growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Expert and Compassionate Help<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Experiencing nervousness or apprehension about undergoing a LEEP procedure is entirely common. It&#8217;s essential to keep in mind that your cervix will be numbed throughout the procedure, so the primary discomfort you may encounter is typically associated with the anesthesia injection. For numerous individuals, the reassurance provided by a LEEP outweighs the brief period, typically lasting ten to twenty minutes, spent on the examination table. A LEEP serves the dual purpose of confirming that abnormal Pap results are not indicative of cancer and, if cancerous cell changes are present, assisting in both diagnosis and treatment by eliminating the abnormal tissue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We understand if you have concerns both regarding the procedure and abnormal cell growth. Our team of dedicated and compassionate experts is here to answer all your questions and concerns. Schedule an appointment with us if you would like to learn more about the procedure or other problems pertaining to the female reproductive system. We are here to help. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Loop electrosurgical excision, or LEEP, is a procedure that can be used to test and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[175],"tags":[178,176,179,180,177],"class_list":["post-1672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leep-procedure","tag-chances-of-cervical-cancer-after-leep","tag-leep-procedure","tag-leep-procedure-recovery","tag-leep-procedure-success-rate","tag-loop-electrosurgical-excision"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1672"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1672\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1672"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}