LEEP

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Precedure)

LEEP or loop electrosurgical excision procedure is an in-office technique for removing abnormal cervical cells that are suspected of being or becoming cancer.  It requires only local anesthesia, takes just a few minutes to perform, and removes more tissue than a cervical biopsy.  LEEP is also a diagnostic tool since the cells that are removed are sent to a pathology lab for analysis.  The patient experiences no discomfort during the procedure and possible mild cramping afterwards.  The cervix heals in about four weeks.

References

1. eMedicineHealth. Cervical cancer>medical treatment. www.emedicinehealth.com/cervical_cancer/page8_em.htm
2. Parker WH. A Gynecologist’s Second Opinion. 2003; A Plume Book; Published by the Penguin Group, New York, NY.