What is the LEEP Procedure?

The Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, or LEEP, is a minimally invasive treatment used to remove abnormal or precancerous cells from the cervix. It involves the use of a thin, electrically charged wire loop to excise targeted cervical tissue for both diagnosis and treatment.

 

LEEP is most commonly performed after abnormal Pap smear results or colposcopy findings, helping prevent cervical cancer by removing affected cells early.

Conditions Treated with LEEP

  • Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1, 2, or 3)
  • Persistent HPV-related cervical cell changes
  • Precancerous lesions of the cervix
  • Cervical dysplasia
  • Abnormal Pap test findings confirmed by biopsy

When is LEEP Recommended?

Your gynaecologist may advise LEEP if you have:

  • A biopsy showing moderate to severe cervical dysplasia
  • Persistent abnormal Pap smear results
  • Visible lesions or suspicious areas on colposcopy
  • High-risk HPV strains associated with cervical cancer
  • Incomplete results from previous cervical procedures requiring further excision

Procedure Overview & Recovery

  • Performed in a clinical or outpatient setting under local anesthesia
  • A loop-shaped electrode removes thin layers of abnormal cervical tissue
  • Typically completed within 10–20 minutes
  • Mild cramping or spotting is common after the procedure
  • Full recovery takes around 1–2 weeks, with minimal activity restrictions
  • The removed tissue is sent for histopathological analysis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the LEEP procedure painful?

Most women feel only mild discomfort or cramping, as the cervix is numbed with local anesthesia before the procedure.

No. LEEP is a day-care procedure, and most women return home within an hour after it’s completed.

LEEP has a low risk of affecting future pregnancies. However, multiple procedures may slightly increase the risk of cervical incompetence. Your doctor will discuss this based on your medical history.

Avoid sexual intercourse, tampon use, swimming, and heavy lifting for about two weeks or until cleared by your doctor.

In many cases, yes. LEEP removes abnormal cells effectively. Follow-up screenings ensure the area has healed and that no further abnormalities are present.

Light activities can resume the next day. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least a week unless advised otherwise.