How painful is a LEEP procedure?

Is the LEEP Painful? During a LEEP, there may be some mild discomfort or cramping. With the numbing medication applied, you will not feel any heat from the loop or any of the cutting sensation. Most patients have reported they did not feel any sensations during the procedure.

How much tissue is removed during LEEP?

For example, ectocervical LEEP sampling removes only the distal 8 to 10 mm of cervical tissue, limiting complications in patients who need no further exploration. It would be nearly impossible to perform a similar flat conization with the cold knife or laser.

How long is the recovery from a LEEP procedure?

During a LEEP, a thin wire loop is used to excise (cut out) abnormal tissue. Your cervix is then cauterized (burned) to stop any bleeding. The area usually heals in 4 to 6 weeks.

Do abnormal cells come back after LEEP?

LEEP works very well to treat abnormal cell changes on the cervix. If all of the abnormal tissue is removed, you won’t need more surgery. In some studies, doctors were able to remove all the abnormal cells in almost every case. But abnormal cells may come back in the future.

What is the next step after LEEP procedure?

The most common next step after a LEEP procedure is to get a pap smear in six months. It is Really Important to get a follow-up pap smear, after the LEEP procedure.

Are you put to sleep for LEEP procedure?

LEEP allows your healthcare provider to locate and remove precancerous cells. It can be done in y our provider’s office and does not require a general anesthetic. If the tissue were removed surgically, you might need to put to sleep with a general anesthetic.

Can abnormal cells return after LEEP?

What to expect from A LEEP procedure?

After a LEEP, you can expect mild cramping, dark vaginal discharge, and possible mild bleeding with discharge. Women who undergo a LEEP are recommended to use sanitary napkins as opposed to tampons following the procedure.

Is the LEEP procedure considered a major surgery?

LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. It’s a treatment that prevents cervical cancer. A small electrical wire loop is used to remove abnormal cells from your cervix. LEEP surgery may be performed after abnormal cells are found during a Pap test, colposcopy, or biopsy.

Do I Really need A LEEP procedure?

If you have pelvic inflammatory disease or acute cervix inflammation, your doctor may advise against a LEEP. A cone biopsy , which is done surgically, might be a better choice for you. Some doctors will recommend a laser procedure or cryotherapy, in which the area of concern is frozen, and subsequently dies and sloughs off.

What are the benefits of A LEEP procedure?

Benefits of LEEP. The Loop Electrosurgical Excision procedure holds many benefits to women who have been found to have abnormal cells and tissues around the cervix or vagina. Some of these benefits include: Thorough removal of abnormal cells and tissue that are at risk of becoming cancerous.