Leep Procedure

LEEP uses a thin wire loop electrode which is attached to an electrosurgical generator. The generator transmits a painless electrical current that quickly cuts away the affected cervical tissue in the immediate area of the loop wire. This causes the abnormal cells to rapidly heat and burst, and separates the tissue as the loop wire moves through the cervix.

The LEEP technique allows your physician to send the excised tissue to the lab for further evaluation which insures that the lesion was completely removed, as well as allowing for a more accurate assessment of the abnormal area.

The LEEP procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and is usually performed in your physician's office. In some ways it may seem much like a normal pelvic exam because you will lie on the exam table with your feet in the stirrups. A colposcope will be used to guide your doctor to the abnormal area. Unlike a normal colposcopy, a tube will be attached to the speculum to remove the small amount of smoke caused by the procedure.

For the LEEP an electrosurgical dispersive pad will be placed on your thigh. The pad is a gel-covered adhesive electrode which provides a safe return path for the electrosurgical current. A single-use, disposable loop electrode will be attached to the generator hand piece by your physician. Your cervix will be prepared with acetic acid and iodine solutions that enable your physician to more easily see the extent of the abnormal area. Next a local anesthetic will be injected into the cervix; the electroloop will be generated and the wire loop will pass through the surface of your cervix.

Once the LEEP is done and the lesion is removed your physician will use a ball electrode to stop any bleeding that occurs; he may also use a topical solution to prevent further bleeding. You can leave your physician's office soon after the procedure.

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Leep Procedures - PRE-LEEP INSTRUCTIONS

• LEEP cannot be done during your menstrual period. It is best to schedule the appointment within the first two weeks after a period. Please plan for 45-60 minutes. This allows you time to rest after the procedure is done.
• Get a good night's rest prior to the appointment and eat a light nutritious meal before coming for the appointment (example - fruit and yogurt or fruit juice and toast/peanut butter, etc.).
• Take 3-4 ibuprofen 200mg tablets about 30 minutes before the procedure. This will lessen pain from cramping, which may occur.
• LEEP ordinarily should not be done if you are pregnant. Use a consistent method of birth control. Tell your physician if there is any chance of pregnancy.

Leep Procedures - POST LEEP INSTRUCTIONS:

• Do not have intercourse, use tampons or douche for four weeks after the procedure. Avoid vigorous exercise for one week (running, aerobics, sports etc.) to lessen the chance of bleeding.
• For cramping, you may use: ibuprofen 200 mg. tablets every 4-6 hours after the procedure. You should not need medication after 24 hours.
• Call a health professional if heavy bleeding or signs of infection occur. If the bleeding is saturating a pad every hour, seek emergency medical care in a local emergency department.
• Keep all follow-up appointments as recommended by your physician. Usually the first check-up is scheduled three months after the procedure is done. Regular pap smears are needed for up to two years after a LEEP, to be sure that abnormal tissue does not reoccur.
• To protect the cervix during the healing process, use condoms consistently for six months after the procedure. You may continue a hormonal method of birth control as well.

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Leep Procedure - Alternative Names

LEEP Procedures - Common Misspellings.