Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a surgical method
of removing tissue from the cervix using a fine loop of wire. The wire is
heated with an electric current until it is extremely hot and can cut through
tissue.
LEEP can be used to take a sample of tissue for a biopsy and
diagnosis or to remove tissue in a treatment procedure.
The patient usually takes ibuprofen or a similar medication before
the procedure and has a local anesthetic applied to the cervix.
Last Updated:
January 5, 2009
Author:
Sandy Jocoy, RN
Medical Review:
Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine & Kevin Holcomb, MD - Gynecologic Oncology