Loop electrical excision procedure: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:29, 16 February 2025

A surgical procedure for removing abnormal cervical tissue

Overview[edit]

The Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a medical technique used to remove abnormal or precancerous cells from the cervix. It is commonly employed in the treatment of cervical dysplasia, which is often detected through abnormal Pap smear results. The procedure utilizes a thin wire loop that carries an electrical current to excise the affected tissue.

Indications[edit]

LEEP is indicated for patients with abnormal cervical cell changes, such as those identified through colposcopy and biopsy. It is particularly useful for treating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and other precancerous conditions of the cervix.

Procedure[edit]

The LEEP procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting. The patient is positioned in a manner similar to a pelvic examination. A local anesthetic is applied to the cervix to minimize discomfort. The loop wire is then inserted through the vagina to the cervix, where it removes a thin layer of abnormal tissue. The excised tissue is sent to a laboratory for further pathological examination.

Advantages[edit]

LEEP offers several advantages, including:

Minimal discomfort and quick recovery time
High success rate in removing abnormal cervical tissue
Ability to preserve surrounding healthy tissue

Risks and Complications[edit]

While LEEP is generally safe, potential risks include:

Bleeding
Infection
Cervical stenosis
Changes in cervical mucus production

Aftercare[edit]

Following the procedure, patients are advised to avoid sexual intercourse, tampon use, and douching for several weeks to allow the cervix to heal. Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and ensure the complete removal of abnormal cells.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Loop electrical excision procedure''' ('''LEEP'''), also known as '''large loop excision of the transformation zone''' ('''LLETZ'''), is a medical procedure used primarily for diagnosing and treating [[cervical dysplasia]], a precancerous condition of the [[cervix]].
+{{Short description|A surgical procedure for removing abnormal cervical tissue}}
 == Overview ==
-LEEP is a type of [[conization]], a procedure that excises, or cuts away, a cone-shaped piece of the cervix. The procedure uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut away the abnormal tissue. LEEP has the advantage of removing the abnormal tissue while simultaneously cauterizing the cut, reducing the risk of bleeding.
+[[File:LEEP.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the LEEP procedure]]
+The '''Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure''' (LEEP) is a medical technique used to remove abnormal or precancerous cells from the cervix. It is commonly employed in the treatment of cervical dysplasia, which is often detected through abnormal [[Pap smear]] results. The procedure utilizes a thin wire loop that carries an electrical current to excise the affected tissue.
+== Indications ==
+LEEP is indicated for patients with abnormal cervical cell changes, such as those identified through [[colposcopy]] and biopsy. It is particularly useful for treating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and other precancerous conditions of the cervix.
 == Procedure ==
-The LEEP procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. The patient is placed in a [[lithotomy position]] and a speculum is inserted into the vagina to visualize the cervix. The doctor then applies a solution to the cervix that makes abnormal cells more visible. The electrified wire loop is then used to cut away the abnormal tissue.
+The LEEP procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting. The patient is positioned in a manner similar to a [[pelvic examination]]. A local anesthetic is applied to the cervix to minimize discomfort. The loop wire is then inserted through the [[vagina]] to the cervix, where it removes a thin layer of abnormal tissue. The excised tissue is sent to a laboratory for further pathological examination.
+== Advantages ==
+LEEP offers several advantages, including:
+* Minimal discomfort and quick recovery time
+* High success rate in removing abnormal cervical tissue
+* Ability to preserve surrounding healthy tissue
 == Risks and Complications ==
-Like all surgical procedures, LEEP carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also a risk of cervical stenosis, or narrowing of the cervix, which can affect fertility.
+While LEEP is generally safe, potential risks include:
+* Bleeding
+* Infection
+* Cervical stenosis
+* Changes in cervical mucus production
-== Follow-up ==
+== Aftercare ==
-After a LEEP procedure, patients are usually advised to avoid sexual intercourse, tampon use, and douching for a period of time to allow the cervix to heal. Follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure that all of the abnormal tissue has been removed and that the cervix is healing properly.
+Following the procedure, patients are advised to avoid [[sexual intercourse]], tampon use, and douching for several weeks to allow the cervix to heal. Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and ensure the complete removal of abnormal cells.
-== See Also ==
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Cervical cancer]]
+* [[Human papillomavirus]]
+* [[Pap test]]
 * [[Colposcopy]]
-* [[Cone biopsy]]
-* [[Cryotherapy]]
-[[Category:Medical procedures]]
+[[Category:Gynecological surgery]]
-[[Category:Gynecology]]
+[[Category:Oncology procedures]]
-{{medicine-stub}}