Cervical LEEP is a procedure used to treat cervical dysplasia. Future pap smear recommendations will be made by your physician at your follow up appointment after they have reviewed your results with you. Many patients with abnormal PAP smears have an underlying dysplasia. The treatment for dysplasia is to remove or destroy the abnormal tissue.
How is a LEEP procedure performed?
A speculum is placed in the vagina just like for a PAP smear. The doctor will then place a numbing medicine in the cervix (similar to what the dentists use to numb your teeth before filling.) After the cervix is numb, a special wire loop is used to remove the abnormal area. The wire loop is hooked up to a special electrical machine and a sticky pad is placed on your leg in order to complete the electrical circuit. The procedure itself is usually painless, although some mild cramping may occur afterward. The whole procedure typically takes about 5 minutes to perform.
What kind of follow-up do I need?
Typically you will be seen back in 2-4 weeks to make sure the cervix has healed. At your return appointment your physician will recommend the appropriate follow up schedule based on your final diagnosis.