Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

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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 in a treatment procedure.

The patient usually takes ibuprofen or a similar medication before the procedure and has a local anesthetic applied to the cervix.

Author:Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Medical Review:Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Barbara S. Apgar, MD, MS - Family Medicine, Women's Health
Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated: 01/12/2007

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