LEEP Procedure
Tubal Ligation Reversal Center
If you’ve had a positive Pap smear with abnormal cervical cells, a LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) may be your next step. This procedure cuts away a thin layer of the abnormal tissue in your lower genital tract. Women in Loganville, Georgia, trust the experts at the Tubal Ligation Reversal Center to perform LEEP and many other surgical procedures to protect and improve their health. Call or book an appointment online to learn more.
LEEP Procedure Q & A
What is LEEP?
LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. The procedure involves your doctor inserting a wire loop heated by an electric current into your vaginal area to gather abnormal cells detected on previous tests or exams.
Your doctor sends the tissue sample gathered with LEEP to a lab for analysis to determine more about the abnormal cells. Cutting away the abnormal cells also leaves room for healthy tissue to thrive.
Why is it performed?
Your doctor may detect something suspicious during your pelvic exam that warrants LEEP. You may also have a LEEP in response to an abnormal Pap smear that requires more cell analysis. LEEP can also diagnose or treat benign polyps and genital warts.
Does a LEEP procedure hurt?
The team at the Tubal Reversal Ligation Center will use local anesthesia to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
What should I expect at a LEEP procedure?
During your LEEP procedure, you’ll lie on an exam table like you do for a pelvic exam, and you will receive a light dose of anesthesia to ease discomfort during the procedure.
Your doctor will use a speculum to separate the walls of your vagina and cleanse the area. A device called a tenaculum holds your cervix steady as your doctor inserts the LEEP wire and passes over the abnormal tissue.
How many passes the LEEP wire does depends on the reason you’re having the procedure. If it’s diagnostic, one pass is usually enough, but if the intention is to remove suspicious tissue, it may take a little longer. The electrical current that heats the wire also cauterizes the blood vessels, resulting in very little bleeding. Your doctor also applies medication to further control bleeding.
You’ll be sent home shortly after the procedure with a sanitary pad to catch any bleeding or spotting. A slight dark discharge is normal. It comes from any medicine applied to your cervix to stop bleeding.
Restrict your activity for several days following a LEEP as directed by your doctor. You may also have restrictions on douching, sexual intercourse, and tampon usage.
To learn more about the LEEP procedure, call the Tubal Ligation Reversal Center or book an appointment online.