What you should know about loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

A loop electrosurgical excision procedure is a quick procedure that involves the removal of cells that may have grown abnormally in your cervix. The procedure can be used for diagnosis and treatment, and it is usually the most appropriate when compared to a pap smear or biopsy since it provides a larger sample of tissue. If you have any abnormal cell growth in your cervix, you should consider a LEEP in Atlanta to remove them. Schedule your appointment with Schapiro, MD, and Kristan Adams, MD of the Ideal Gynecology in Atlanta, who will perform the LEEP and provide necessary treatment.

Below we will have a look at what you should understand about a loop electrosurgical excision procedure.

Who gets the procedure?

It can be recommended by your physician if changes are noticed in your cervix during a pelvic scan. LEEP can also be used in the management of genital warts, which are usually an indication of human papillomavirus which raises the risk of developing cervical cancer.

What are the risks involved with LEEP?

LEEP is a safe procedure to undergo, but still, there are some risks involved;

• A problem in conception in the year after it’s done
• Sexual dysfunction
• The cervix can be scarred depending on the amount of tissue required by your doctor.
• Excessive loss of blood during the procedure
• Risk of infection

How to be ready for the procedure

You should plan the procedure one week after menstruation because this allows your doctor to visualize your cervix and detect bleeding, which may be due to the procedure.

Don’t take any medication, which consists of aspirin at least six to seven days before the procedure is done. This is because aspirin raises the risks of excessive bleeding during the procedure.

Carry a menstrual pad during the appointment because you may experience bleeding after the procedure is done.

What to expect during the procedure?

Before

Your doctor will explain the procedure and give you a chance to ask any question you might have

You will be given a consent form for you to sign then change into a hospital gown.

After this, your doctor will ask you to lie supine on the exam table with your feet in stirrups.

During

A speculum is inserted into your vagina by the doctor to provide a clear view of the cervix.

The doctor will then clean your cervix with a vinegar solution which will turn the abnormal tissues white for better visualization.

Local anesthesia is then applied to avoid any pain before the removal process begins, then the doctor will pass a wire loop that removes the abnormal tissue.

After the cells are removed, medication is applied to stop any bleeding.

After

After the procedure is done, your doctor will give you instructions to rest for 20 minutes and tell you what to expect during recovery time.

The tissues are then sent to the lab for analysis, and you should expect the result within 5 to 10 days.

Speak to a gynecology specialist.

If you have been diagnosed with abnormal growth in your cervix, consider doing a LEEP. The Ideal Gynecology team has highly specialized gynecologists who will examine the cells to determine whether they are benign or malignant and recommend necessary treatment.

Paul Petersen