What to Expect After a LEEP Procedure

LEEP is a technique used to remove malignant tissue from the cervix, which is the lower section of the uterus that sits at the top of the vagina. The cervix takes 4 to 6 weeks to recuperate from a LEEP surgery. During the healing phase, the individual should avoid inserting anything into the vagina, such as tampons or douche. Avoid sexual intercourse for at least four weeks after the operation.

If you have any of the following problems, contact a healthcare provider.

• Heavy bleeding;

• Bleeding with clots;

• Severe abdominal ache;

• Symptoms may include fever (101°F or higher) and chills;

• Any unexpected or inexplicable issues.

What Is the LEEP Procedure?

Loop electrosurgical excision technique (LEEP) is a method that involves heating a wire loop with an electric current to remove aberrant tissue or cells from the vagina or cervix. If Pap tests and colposcopy biopsies reveal the presence of abnormal cells, your doctor may consider a LEEP procedure to remove the problematic tissue.

Aberrant tissue may be found in areas of cervical dysplasia, a disorder defined by aberrant growth on the cervix's surface. If left untreated, cervical dysplasia can develop and progress to malignancy.

Why Would I Need a LEEP?

If Pap tests and colposcopy biopsies reveal the presence of abnormal cells, your doctor may consider LEEP to remove the problematic tissue. LEEP is also beneficial for detecting cervical and vaginal cancer.

LEEP is suggested for detecting cervical dysplasia and precancerous cells that may lead to cancer and the diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:

• Polyps;

• Genital warts that may suggest an infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a risk factor for developing cervical cancer;

• Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in women whose moms took it during pregnancy.

How Can I Prepare For a LEEP Procedure?

Before the procedure, you need to take care of the following:

• Avoid taking aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines;

• Inform the clinician if you are allergic to any medications, latex, tape, iodine, or anesthesia;

• Inform the doctor about all of the medications you use;

• Do not use tampons, vaginal creams, douching, or engage in sexual activity prior to the surgery.

• Inform the physician if you have a history of bleeding issues;

• This operation is normally performed while you are not having a monthly cycle;

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

What Occurs During the LEEP Procedure?

You may be requested to take a urine pregnancy test prior to the surgery. The doctor may ask you to lie on your back and position your legs like you would during a routine pelvic exam.

The physician puts a lubricated tool (speculum) into the vagina to spread the vaginal walls apart, exposing the cervix.

To magnify the tissues, the physician will insert a colposcope into the opening of your vagina.

They utilize a colposcope to identify abnormal spots in the cervix or vagina. To highlight the aberrant tissues, the doctor cleans and soaks the cervix in a dilute acetic acid solution. This solution reveals the aberrant tissue by making it white.

The physician next uses local anesthesia to numb the cervix before inserting an electrically charged loop of thin wire through the speculum and up to the cervix. It eliminates any aberrant cells. Then, hemostasis (the stoppage of bleeding) is performed.

What May I Expect Following the Procedure?

After the process, you can observe:

• A watery, pinkish discharge;

• Mild cramps;

• A brownish-black discharge.

You should also avoid intense activities or heavy lifting after surgery. Take pain relievers to alleviate cramping or soreness. During the healing phase, the individual should avoid inserting anything into the vagina, such as tampons or douche. Avoid sexual intercourse for at least four weeks after the operation.