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: April 29, 2020
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Kevin C. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology