Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) Specialist

What is a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)?

LEEP is a minimally-invasive procedure that's used to erase genital warts or abnormal cervical cells so they can be evaluated. LEEP derives its name because it uses a loop of low-voltage electrified wire to excise (target by cutting) the tissue without resorting to surgery.

What happens during a LEEP procedure?

LEEP can be performed right in the office in about 10 to 15 minutes or less. You'll lie on your back on the exam table, and a lubricated speculum will be inserted into your vagina to gently widen the vaginal canal, just as you would for your routine pelvic exam. A local anesthetic will be injected into the cervix to prevent discomfort and you may receive other pain medication as well. The LEEP instrument will be inserted through your vagina, and a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope will be used to view the area to look for abnormal cells or warts and ensure all the tissue is erased. Once the tissue has been excised, it will be sent to a lab for evaluation to check for the presence of cancer cells or other signs of disease. A special medicine or other techniques may be used to control bleeding in the areas where tissue has been erased.

How will I feel once LEEP is complete?

LEEP is an outpatient procedure, so you'll go home soon afterward. You may have some mild cramping for a day or two after your procedure, as well as some vaginal discharge which may persist for up to three weeks. You'll need to use pads and not tampons during this time to avoid infection, and you'll also need to abstain from sexual intercourse and douching. Most women find they're able to return to their normal activities within one to three days following their procedure.

*Individual results may vary.