Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEED)

LEEP is done after abnormal Pap test results have been confirmed by colposcopy and cervical biopsy. This procedure (loop electrosurgical excision) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue. LEEP may be used to treat persistent low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and may also be used to treat new high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL).

During LEEP, a small amount of normal cervical tissue is removed at the edge of the abnormal tissue area. The tissue that is removed can be examined for cancer that has grown deep into the cervical tissue. In this way, LEEP can help further diagnose as well as treat the abnormal cells. If all of the abnormal cervical tissue is removed, no further surgery is needed, though abnormal cells may recur in the future.

LEEP can be done at Women’s Care Consultants with local anesthesia. It may also be performed at Missouri Baptist Hospital as an outpatient procedure. Most women are able to return to normal activities within 1 to 2 days after LEEP is performed.

After LEEP you can expect 2 weeks of red brown to yellow discharge. You may also have a few days of cramping. Call the office if you experience severe pain, fever, or foul smelling vaginal discharge.