LEEP (LLETZ)

LEEP stands for Loop Electosurgical Excision Procedure. In this treatment, electrical current is passed through a wire loop which is used to remove dysplastic tissue from the cervix. An advantage of LEEP is that the tissue is preserved for examination (unlike cryotherapy and laser ablation). Disadvantages include bleeding, discharge, and possible infection. A certain amount of scar tissue is also likely, depending upon the size of the area treated. This treatment usually takes about 10 minutes in a doctor's office or outpatient clinic.

A LEEP is sometimes also used to get a better tissue sample, if a punch biopsy was inadequate to make a definite diagnosis.

What's Next? The Options:

1) If margins are clear (indication that all the dysplasia was removed), follow up with Paps and checkups.

2) If margins aren't clear, options are:

a) Watch and wait (follow-up Paps)

b) Cone Biopsy

3) If cancer is found, cancer assessment

Copyright © 2001 by Laura Dolson. All rights reserved. Please submit reprint requests to gyncancer@baymoon.com

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