|  | Conditions Treatments | Gynecological Disorders

Leep Surgery Complications

LEEP stands for loop electrosurgical excision procedure. This procedure is used to treat abnormal cervical cell growth and to test those abnormal cells. It is done after a pap smear confirms abnormal changes in a woman's cervix. During the procedure abnormal tissues will be removed and a biopsy can be performed if necessary to check for cancer. Like all surgical procedures, complications can occur after a LEEP procedure.

  1. How is it Performed?

    • A LEEP is similar to a pelvic exam in terms of how and where it is performed. Most women will only be given local anesthesia to numb the cervical and vaginal area. In some cases, where the procedure is not tolerated well, the patient may be given a sedative or, in less common cases, she may be put to sleep with general anesthesia. For the procedure to be performed, the patient will lie back and place her feet in stirrups. A speculum will then be used to open into the vagina, so that the cervix can be easily accessed. A solution that helps to make abnormal cells visible is applied to the cervix. Then a magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to view the cervix; this instrument does not enter the vagina. The doctor will then numb the area and insert a thin electrically charged wire loop into the cervix through the speculum. This wire loop removes a very thin layer of cervical tissue as it passes across the cervix to remove any abnormal cells. Once the tissue is removed, it will be sent for testing to see if any abnormal cells or cancer is present. Once the procedure is complete and the instruments are removed, a medicated paste is applied to the cervix and surrounding area to relieve current or post-procedural bleeding.

    Heavy Bleeding

    • Heavy bleeding is the most common LEEP procedure complication. It is most common in the first three weeks after the procedure is done. If heavy bleeding occurs, the patient may need to have a paste applied to the cervix to stop the bleeding.

    Pregnancy

    • Some women who have a LEEP performed may experience risks with future pregnancies. These risks include low birth weight and premature births. Though, not common, these risks are increased with each LEEP procedure a woman undergoes.

    Narrowing of the Cervix

    • Though rare, some women may experience a narrowing of the cervix after having a LEEP performed. This narrowing can cause menstruation problems for some women. It may also cause some women to have difficulty getting pregnant.

    Infection

    • Some women who have had the LEEP procedure may develop an infection. This infection will typically develop within two days after the procedure is done. Infections are more common than pregnancy complications and narrowing of the cervix, but they still do not occur in many women who have had this procedure.

Gynecological Disorders - Related Articles