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Cervical Dysplasia & LEEP Procedures

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) removes abnormal cervical tissue using a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop. LEEP is used for cervical dysplasia most often because it does not destroy the tissue. This allows the physician to retrieve an intact sample for analysis. Cervical dysplasia is a growth of abnormal cervical cells. Cervical dysplasia is diagnosed by having a Pap smear, a colposcopy which is a non-invasive procedure using a magnifying lens to view the cervix, and a biopsy of cervical tissue to test for cancer.

  1. LEEP vs. Other Procedures

    • LEEP is the most popular treatment for cervical dysplasia because it does not destroy cervical tissue. It is a simple procedure with few risks or side effects and is the least expensive procedure for cervical dysplasia. Two other options, the carbon dioxide laser photoablation treatment (CO2) and cryocautery are destructive, preventing the physician from obtaining a tissue sample. The CO2 laser treatment uses an invisible beam of infrared light while cryocautery uses nitrous oxide to freeze the tissue. Both procedures are useful for mild dysplasia.

    LEEP Procedure

    • The LEEP procedure is usually done at the doctor's office, a clinic or as an outpatient. The procedure takes between 10 and 20 minutes to perform. During the LEEP procedure, there may be some minor discomfort. After the procedure, there may be mild cramping and pain for a few hours that can be relieved by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. There is typically a slight dark-colored vaginal discharge from the medication applied to the cervix to control bleeding for a few days and spotting which can last up to 3 weeks after the LEEP procedure.

      After the LEEP procedure the most common restrictions are no heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity, use sanitary napkins only, no sexual intercourse and no douching. These restrictions may be in place for up to 3 weeks following the LEEP procedure. Be sure to follow the physician's orders.

    Significant

    • LEEP is an easy and effective procedure for the treatment of cervical dysplasia. The major benefit of having the LEEP procedure is that it is minimally invasive and allows the physician to remove all abnormal cervical tissue to be analyzed by a pathologist completely. There are few risks and no in-patient hospital stay is required.

    Risks

    • As with any surgical procedure, there are complications which may occur. The complications of the LEEP procedure you should be aware of are the chance of developing an infection of the cervix or uterus and cervical stenosis which is a narrowing of the cervix. There is also a higher risk of having a premature baby after LEEP.

      Anyone who is allergic to latex or iodine or sensitive to medications should notify her physician. Pregnant women should not have the LEEP procedure done. Conditions that may interfere with LEEP are menstruation, inflammation of the cervix and/or acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Talk with a physician if you have any of these conditions.

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