LEEP in Birmingham, AL

What is LEEP?

Women who have a Pap smear showing abnormal cells in their cervix may find that their physician will suggest an electrosurgical procedure commonly called LEEP to remove those cells. This minimally invasive procedure uses a thin wire loop through which an electric current is passed to remove a thin layer of tissue containing the abnormal cells. The procedure is performed in a doctor’s office and seldom takes more than a few moments.

After a local anesthesia is administered, the thin wire loop is inserted into the vagina and to the cervix. Electrical current is applied to the loop and the loop acts as a scalpel to remove the abnormal tissue. The tissue is then evaluated to make or confirm a diagnosis. Other procedures can be used to remove the abnormal cells and include:

• Cryosurgery
• Laser Treatment
• Cone Biopsy

However, the actual procedure used depends upon how much tissue needs to be removed and where the cells are located on the cervix. Recovery time usual takes several weeks. Like all procedures LEEP does have some risks so it is important to understand them before having the procedure.

About the Procedure

Patients undergoing a loop electrosurgical excision procedure are often a bit nervous beforehand. Although the name of this treatment may seem rather intimidating, the entire process is really quite simple and painless.

To begin, the patient will be asked to lie on their back and place the heels of their feet in the stirrups at the end of the examination table, just as they would do at a routine gynecologic appointment. Once positioned, your gynecologist will insert a speculum to widen the opening of the vagina enough to get a clear visual of the cervix. A colposcope will also be used to help magnify the treatment area. The area is then numbed using a local anesthetic so that the patient does not feel any discomfort during their LEEP.

The device used to extract the cervical cells consists of a thin wire with a loop around the end. Your gynecologist will treat any abnormal cells by wrapping the loop around them, and then using the electricity that’s passed through the wire to remove these cells.

LEEP Recovery Process

The entire procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes, after which time patients are allowed to return home and continue with regular activities. Your gynecologist will have the removed cervical cells analyzed at our lab facility to determine if further diagnostic testing or treatment is needed.

What to Expect After LEEP

LEEP is a very safe and effective treatment option, though there are several common symptoms that women should be aware of following their procedure, including:

• Bleeding: Wearing absorbent pads can help to manage small amounts of bleeding after treatment, though if you continue to bleed, or are bleeding excessively, please contact your gynecologist at Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology right away.
• Cramping: It is also common for the muscles in the pelvic to contract after LEEP, leading to mild cramping.
• Discharge: Women are likely to experience a watery discharge that is pink in color.

Along with excessive bleeding, patients should contact our office immediately if they experience clotting, fever, or severe pain.

LEEP Preparation

Before the procedure begins, make sure that you address any questions or concerns with your gynecologist . It is important to fully understand the reasoning why a LEEP is being performed, and what sort of follow-up care will be needed once it is complete. Patients should also inform their physician of any medications they are currently taking that may impact their treatment, such as blood thinners. No other significant preparation such as fasting is required prior to LEEP.