When cancerous or precancerous cells are found in the cervix tissue, the abnormal tissue needs to be removed. This can stop cancer from forming or spreading, protecting your health. If there is cervical dysplasia or abnormal tissue, a sample is removed to test for cancerous cells. This gynecology procedure can be performed through a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), a minimally invasive transvaginal surgery. At FEM Women’s Wellness, we offer LEEP procedures at our facility in the Reno, Lake Tahoe and Carson City, NV, area.
LEEP is recommended when an abnormality in the cervix tissue is found. The procedure usually can be performed at our clinic using local anesthesia and possibly sedation. The goal is to remove the abnormal cells without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. LEEP procedures offer precision tissue removal with minimal disruption of the healthy tissue around the abnormal cells.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure
During LEEP surgery, patients lie down on the exam table with their feet in the stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam. Before the procedure, the cervix will be numbed, and patients may receive a sedative to reduce pain or discomfort. The LEEP instrument is a wand with an electrified loop of wire. This tool can accurately remove the abnormal cells with minimal damage to the healthy tissue. The tissue that is removed is sent to a lab for testing to determine whether the cells are cancerous or precancerous.
Patients can go home the same day after LEEP procedures. The post-op symptoms may include mild cramping, bleeding and vaginal discharge. Patients will need to avoid placing anything in the vagina for a few weeks while the cervix heals from the surgery. This includes avoiding using tampons or having sexual intercourse. The results from the lab testing are usually available in about a week to determine if the tissue removed was cancerous.
If you have been diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, or a colposcopy has discovered cancerous cells in your cervix, you may need to have the tissue removed. Contact our team at FEM Women’s Wellness to schedule an appointment to discuss the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). Call our office in the Carson City and Reno area to book your consultation.