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Cervical Cancer Status Post Leep Procedures

LEEP, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure, is a method by which abnormal and possibly cancerous cells are removed from the cervix. This is an office procedure that may be suggested once the results of a Pap smear come back abnormal to prevent cancer from developing or spreading. Alternatives to the LEEP procedure are cryosurgery, laser treatment and cone biopsy.

  1. How It's Done

    • A thin wire loop with an electric current passed through it is applied to the cervix, cutting out a thin layer where the abnormal cells are located. The procedure begins much like a regular Pap smear, with your legs in stirrups and a speculum, or opening device, which is inserted into your vagina so that your cervix is exposed. A local anesthesia is applied to the cervix. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the LOOP is applied to the cervix through the vagina and the cells are removed. Afterward, a special paste may be applied to control bleeding. Your doctor will likely prefer to perform the procedure while you are not on your menstrual cycle so that you and he can differentiate between menstraul blood and bleeding from the procedure.

    After the Procedure

    • The actual reason behind the performance of the procedure will determine what happens after it. Once the abnormal cells are removed, they will be observed under a microscope. If the cells were diagnosed as simply abnormal before the procedure, they will be observed to determine whether they are cancerous or not before any further treatment is advised. If the cells were already determined to be cancerous before the procedure, it will be recommended that you return to the doctor for a Pap smear every three to six months for two years to make sure all of the cancerous cells were removed and have not reoccurred.

    Post-Procedure Instructions

    • After the procedure, you may have some bleeding or a watery-pinkish discharge. Some mild cramping may also occur, and a dark discharge from the paste used to stop the bleeding. You will be advised to not insert anything into the vagina for up to three weeks, including tampons and douches. You will also be advised to abstain from vaginal intercourse until your cervix heals.

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