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.
The woman usually takes ibuprofen or a similar medicine before the procedure and has a local anesthetic applied to the cervix.
Current as of: December 19, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Sarah A. Marshall, MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & Kevin C. Kiley, MD – Obstetrics and Gynecology