What is LEEP? - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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What is LEEP?

What is LEEP?

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What is LEEP?

LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. It is used to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. For example, if you get an abnormal result from your annual pap smear, and your doctor detects a lesion (abnormal cells) on your cervix, he or she may use LEEP to remove the lesion.

The procedure is usually done in the doctor’s office, with the patient’s legs up in stirrups just like for a pelvic exam. The LEEP tool is a thin wire loop electrode attached to an electrosurgical generator. The electrical current going through the loop is painless, but it allows the doctor to quickly remove the part of the cervix with the abnormal cells. This tissue sample can then be tested easily to determine if the entire lesion was removed and whether or not the abnormal cells are cancerous.

Your physician will likely inject a local anesthetic into your cervix to ward off pain, and he or she will instruct you about which over-the-counter painkillers are acceptable for after the procedure. You will be able to go home soon after the procedure, and recovery should be quick. You will probably experience bleeding and discharge for 4-5 days afterwards, plus mild pain and discomfort at the excision site. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid complications, and call his or her office promptly if you experience any symptoms that concern you.

Remember that the presence of abnormal cells (cervical dysplasia) does not mean that you necessarily have cancer. However, abnormal cells can be precancerous, so they should be removed and tested regardless.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Find A Doctor Near You

Ruslana Kadze, M.D. 5525 Etiwanda Avenue Suite 228 Tarzana (Los Angeles) CA 91356 818-343-1717	Geoffrey Bowers, M.D. 834 Chestnut Street Suite 300 Philadelphia PA 19107 215-955-5000	Richard W Farnam, M.D. 1700 N. Oregon Suite 520 El Paso TX 79902 9155335600
Megan Daw, M.D. Western Carolina Women's Specialty Center 2100 Ridgefield Blvd Asheville NC 28806 828-670-5665	Susan D. Hunter, M.D. 626 Ed Carey Dr Harlingen TX 78550 956-428-4868	Steven McCarus, M.D. 400 Celebration Place Suite310 Celebration FL 34747 4073034190
Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001	Tamer Seckin, M.D. 872 FIFTH AVE NEW YORK NY 10065 2129881444	Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223

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