Loop electrosurgical excision – LEEP – Excision of the cervix

Description loop excision of the cervix

During the loop electrosurgical excision (EFE) using a thin wire, allowing to precisely cut tissue in the cervix. The cervix connects vagina and uterus. LEEP is performed to remove abnormal cervical tissue.

Reasons for LEEP

LEEP is often done after, on the cervix are detected abnormal cells. These cells are often found during a Pap test. If the cells, detected by a Pap test indicate the presence cervical dysplasia, or are cancerous, It can be assigned to a loop electrosurgical excision.

Possible complications of excision of the cervix

If you plan to LEEP, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding;
• Abdominal cramping;
• Infection;
• Problems during pregnancy (a small increase in the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight);
• Narrowing of the cervix (rarely);
• Incomplete removal of abnormal tissue;
• Random clipping or burn normal tissue.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Menstruation during the procedure. It is best to carry out LEEP when you have no monthly;
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease;
• Inflammation of the cervix;
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy;
• Excess weight;
• Smoking.

We need to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

How is the excision of the cervix?

Preparation for the procedure

In the weeks prior to the procedure:

• Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before the surgery may need to stop taking some medicines:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin);
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.

On the day of the procedure:

• If the doctor will use a sedative, We need to arrange a ride home from the hospital;
• If it is prescribed by your doctor, you need to take painkillers before the excision of the cervix;
• Bring sanitary pads. They will be needed after the procedure.

Anesthesia

During the excision of the cervix often used local anesthesia. She numb the area at the time of surgery procedure. The anesthesia can be provided as a gel or as an injection in the operation region.

Procedure excision of the cervix

You will lie on your back in a chair, placing your feet in holders. The doctor inserts into the vagina spreader. This tool will allow to reveal the wall of the vagina and cervix to see. The cervix is ​​administered anesthesia.

The doctor determines the location of the abnormal area, to be deleted. He then inserts a thin wire into the vagina, slide it to the cervix. At this time, you may hear noise or hum. Thin loop is used as a surgical knife. The doctor will gently remove the abnormal tissue. At this time, you will need to lie still. The doctor cauterize the area operation, ie heats the blood vessels, to stop the bleeding.

How long will the excision of the cervix?

LEEP only takes a few minutes.

Excision of the cervix – Will it hurt?

You may feel some cramping during the procedure. The pain is not felt.

Care after LEEP

Care in a hospital

Will monitor blood pressure and heart rate. After, How do you feel normal, you will be able to return home.

Home Care

After the procedure can be observed:

• Dark brown, black vaginal discharge for several days;
• Smaller seizures;
• Watery pink selection.

When you return home, Follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• Relax, when you are at home;
• It is necessary to frequently change the sanitary napkin;
• Take pain medicine as intended;
• The cervix will heal in a few weeks. Within four weeks:
  • Do not use tampons or accept douche;
  • Abstain from sexual intercourse;
  • Do not do heavy work;
  • It is allowed to take a bath and a shower;
• If recommended by your doctor, We need to go Pap test and gynecological examination every six months.

Contact your doctor after excision of the cervix

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Heavy bleeding (more than the normal menstrual period);
• Bleeding with clots;
• Severe abdominal pain;
• Fever or chills;
• An unpleasant odor or discharge from the vagina.