8 Faqs About Leep Procedure

By Author: Monica Quinn
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If your doctor has recommended a loop electrosurgical excision procedure or LEEP, you may be asking what it is. A LEEP is a preventive procedure in which a doctor inserts a heated wire loop into the cervix to eliminate aberrant cells before cancer starts.

The abnormal cells in the cervix are usually generated by the human papillomavirus (HPV), although the LEEP can reverse the consequences of an HPV infection.

Here is some info about the LEEP procedure and what you can expect during one:

1. Who needs a LEEP?
When abnormal cells are discovered in a Pap test, a gynecologist will do a colposcopy. During this operation, a doctor uses a special equipment known as a colposcope to precisely inspect your cervix and do cervical biopsies. If the results indicate that a patient has precancerous cells (high-grade dysplasia), a LEEP is advised.

If your doctor recommends a hysterectomy for abnormal cervical cells before a LEEP, it's a good idea to get a second opinion. In some circumstances, a LEEP can be used to avoid a hysterectomy.

2. ...
... What should patients expect when preparing for a LEEP?
A LEEP is frequently performed as an outpatient surgery in hospitals. Years ago, it was performed in an operating room, and some hospitals still do so.

During a LEEP, the practitioner administers a local anesthetic to the cervix. The doctor then removes the aberrant cells using a hot wire. The operation takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and the patient should expect the entire appointment to last no more than an hour.

3. Does a LEEP hurt?
When a local anesthetic is given, patients may experience discomfort. They should not feel any discomfort, but they may feel some pressure.

4. How long does it take to recover from a LEEP?
Patients can return to work one to two days after a LEEP and resume exercise shortly thereafter, depending on their care team's advice. Doctors frequently advise patients not to have intercourse or use tampons for four weeks after the treatment to let them properly heal.

After a LEEP, it is typical to feel some discomfort, cramps, or light bleeding, akin to a period.

5. What are the risks associated with a LEEP?
In very rare cases, patients have developed bleeding or infection.

6. Can a LEEP impact fertility or pregnancy?
A LEEP has a modest risk of future pregnancy loss or preterm birth. However, the vast majority of women with LEEPs have healthy pregnancies and kids.

If you are concerned about your fertility, discuss your anxieties and future goals with your care team so that they can address them and provide the best treatment for you.

7. How will a patient know if a LEEP is effective?
The tissue extracted during the LEEP is forwarded to a pathologist for evaluation. If the margins are positive, you may need to repeat the surgery. In addition, six months after a LEEP, you will have a follow-up session with Pap and HPV tests. In some circumstances, aberrant cells appear again. If this happens, you could need another LEEP.

After a normal Pap and a negative HPV test, patients must return a year later for another screening. Women with high-grade dysplasia who receive a LEEP must be rigorously monitored for 25 years to ensure that it does not reoccur.

8. How common are LEEPs?
Although cervical cancer is uncommon, precancerous lesions are rather prevalent. Approximately 10% of women who receive cervical screening will have an abnormal Pap or positive HPV test result, but less than 1% will develop cancer. However, 3% to 5% will contain precancerous cells (high-grade cervical dysplasia) and require a LEEP.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)