LEEP Operation

What is LEEP?

LEEP is the surgical procedure that uses an electrical instrument to remove the potentially harmful area of the cervix that contains the cancer-precursor lesion. Only the region with a cancer risk is removed, not the entire cervix.

When is The LEEP Performed?

The disease in which this procedure is most frequently used is the treatment of cases in which the pathology result is CIN 2 or 3, in other words, a high-grade cervical cancer precursor lesion after colposcopic biopsy. These lesions are very likely to develop into cervical cancer if they are not treated. Although the LEEP procedure is advertised as being easy and risk-free on the internet, the most crucial factor to take into account during this procedure is the inadequate removal of the risky area in the cervix. This may result in the disease receiving insufficient care and developing into cervical cancer. This is why it’s essential to consider the gynecologist’s education and experience before the procedure.

How to Process LEEP?

LEEP is a preferred procedure to be performed under anesthesia and operating room conditions.

How Long Does The LEEP Process Take?

The procedure takes between 20-40 minutes.

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What Should Be Considered After The LEEP Procedure?

  • Usually, the patient is sent home 3-5 hours after the procedure.
  • It is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse for about 20-30 days after the procedure.
  • The day following the procedure, you are able to take a brief shower.
  • It is advised to wait 20–30 days before entering the pool and the sea.

In Which Cases Should I Consult The Doctor After The LEEP Procedure?

If any of the following issues arise following the procedure, you should speak with an obstetrician:

  1. Heavy and clot-dropping bleeding
  2. Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
  3. Fever and chills
  4. Severe abdominal pain

The risks following the Leep procedure?

  • Bleeding (especially between days 10-15) and infection are slight long-term risks.
  • A rare complication is that following the procedure, pregnancies are slightly more likely to give birth prematurely (1-3%).

How should aftercare be handled?

We suggest our patients who receive LEEP or conization treatment to have their recurrence in the first two years checked out every six months. And in these six-month follow-ups, we enroll our patients in regular screening programs, just like other women, with normal colposcopy, smear, and HPV test results.

Does the LEEP procedure cause cervical insufficiency?

The question most frequently asked from patients is “does LEEP cause cervical insufficiency” both before and after the LEEP procedure?

Prior to the LEEP procedure, the majority of patients struggle with severe anxiety and fear. The wrong information that patients may read online, particularly on websites where women share information, may make their problems worse. In fact, this might make patients extremely anxious, sleep poorly, and have constant thoughts about the LEEP procedure. Instead of reading information on these sharing websites, it is best for patients to get information from their doctors.

Asking your doctor as many questions as you can before LEEP and receiving comprehensive information is the best way to allay your concerns and fears.