LEEP is a procedure developed to treat diseases of the cervix. Experience has shown that localized removal of early lesions of the cervix prevents their becoming cancerous.

LEEP works through the wonders of modern technology. A very thin wire is formed into a loop. Precise amounts of low voltage, high frequency electrical current are then passed through this wire, allowing it to gently slice through the cervical tissue while at the same time closing off small blood vessels. This allows precise specimens to be obtained with minimal bleeding.

Before the LEEP procedure is started, the physician will examine your cervix with a colposcope to determine the areas that need to be removed. A small pad will be placed on you to act as an electrical ground. The doctor will hold your cervix with a small instrument and than excise the tissue. As the cervix does not have pain fibers, this process is relatively painless.

As the physician removes the tissue, the LEEP instrument will coagulate (stop) bleeding from most small vessels. Occasionally, the physician will need to place a suture (stitch) on certain bleeding areas, or place some tampons or gauze into the vagina. In rare circumstances the bleeding will be difficult to control which may result in blood transfusions and/or overnight stay in the hospital.

Local anesthesia is usually sufficient for the procedure. Although not required, some patients prefer general anesthesia due to the time needed to set-up and perform the procedure (15 minutes) and their general discomfort. If you desire to have anesthesia, you cannot eat of drink anything for 8 hours prior to the procedure.

After the procedure, you must return to the office for a follow-up examination in three weeks.

Post-LEEP Instructions:

• Nothing in the vagina for three weeks.
• No tub baths.
• You may experience a brown discharge for two weeks.