Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure Care

In the weeks leading up to the procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin )
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)

The day of the procedure:

• If your doctor will be giving you a sedative, arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic.
• If directed by your doctor, take a pain reliever right before the LEEP.
• Bring sanitary napkins to use after the procedure.

Local anesthesia is often used for a LEEP. This will keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. You will be awake during the procedure. The anesthesia may be applied with a lotion or injected into the area.

You will lie on your back on a table with your feet up in foot rests. The doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina. This tool will separate the vaginal walls. This will allow the doctor to see the cervix. Anesthesia will be applied to the cervix to numb the area.

The doctor will then apply a solution to the cervical area. The solution will show the abnormal area that needs to be removed. The doctor will insert a thin wire into the vagina toward the cervix. You will hear a vacuum-like noise. You may also hear a humming noise. The thin wire loop is like a surgical knife. The doctor will be able to gently remove the abnormal tissue. You will need to stay very still. The doctor will cauterize the area. This process heats the blood vessels to stop bleeding. A paste may also be applied to stop bleeding.

LEEP only takes a few minutes.

You may feel cramping during LEEP. You should not feel any sharp pain.

Your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked. Once you are feeling okay, you will be able to go home.

After the procedure, you may have:

• Dark brown-black vaginal discharge for several days
• Mild cramping
• Watery pink discharge

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Rest when you get home.
• Frequently change the sanitary pad.
• Take pain medicine as directed.
• It will take a few weeks for your cervix to heal. For four weeks:
  • Do not use tampons or douches.
  • Refrain from sexual intercourse.
  • Do not do any heavy lifting.
  • It is okay for you take baths and showers.
• If advised by your doctor, have a Pap test and pelvic exam every six months.