TILII TOPICS
Leep
What does LEEP stand for?
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, or LEEP, is a procedure performed to excise or cut away abnormal areas of the cervix, most commonly recommended to women after an abnormal pap smear followed by abnormal colposcopy and cervical biopsies. A short wire loop that has electricity passing through it is used to cut away the abnormal cells. This procedure is less invasive than others that are used to remove sections of the cervix when abnormal cells are discovered.
How Does It Work?
The thin, wire loop used in the LEEP procedure has a mild electric current flowing through it. As the wire cuts away the abnormal tissue, the electricity that is flowing through the wire will then cauterize or burn the tissue, sealing it and dramatically reducing the risk of infection. Because the wire has an electrical current running through it, it moves through the tissue very easily, slicing away small areas at a time. The LEEP procedure can be used to gather small samples for biopsies, or it can be used to remove abnormal tissues that may be the result of an infection or other condition. Women who have a history of abnormal cells can benefit from the loop’s cauterizing effect because it seals and protects the remaining tissues, reducing the risk of infection and prompting faster healing.
Who Can Benefit From the Procedure?
Dr. Sodhi invests heavily in top of the line diagnostic, aesthetic and surgical equipment and specializes in minimally invasive in-office procedures. Dr. Sodhi performs the LEEP procedure painlessly and swiftly in the office, preventing need for more invasive procedures traditionally performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The in-office LEEP is a relatively non-invasive procedure, which means only a local anesthetic is usually needed and pre-procedure medication can also be given to reduce anxiety. The healing time is relatively fast, and a woman can return to work the next day or within a few days of having the procedure performed.