What Happens After An Leep Procedure

LEEP

If you have an abnormal Papanicolaou test (Pap), your doctor may recommend Loop electrosurgical excision (or LEEP). The procedure removes abnormal cells (or dysplasia) from a woman's cervix before they become cancerous. Women who face LEEP may feel relief that their condition is not cancerous. The LEEP procedure may have some side effects that can cause some concern, however, and women who undergo the procedure may also wonder if they face a higher risk for cervical cancer.

Test Results

After the LEEP procedure, your doctor will send samples of your tissues to a laboratory to check for signs of cervical cancer. According to Magee-Womens Hospital at University of Pittsburgh, this is a preventive step, taken to ensure that cancer has not invaded the cervix (see link in References). Your doctor will be able to discuss the lab results and your cancer status within a few weeks of the procedure.

Recovery

According to the American College of Obstetrics (ACOG), mild side effects after a LEEP procedure may include pinkish or brown discharge and mild cramping (see link in References). More serious complications, such as heavy bleeding or severe stomach pain, are rare. Contact your doctor immediately if these occur.

The cervix may remain sore for several weeks. Intercourse, tampons, douches and intense exercise should be avoided until your doctor confirms that the cervix has healed.

Continuing Care

While LEEP can effectively remove abnormal cells, follow-up care is essential. Your doctor will verify removal of all abnormal growths and check that new growths have not begun. According to ACOG, many doctors recommend a Pap test every 3 months until a patient has 3 tests with no sign of any abnormalities.

Pregnancy after LEEP

According to ACOG, LEEP may cause problem pregnancies, including miscarriages and low birth-weight babies, in a small percentage of women. Most women who undergo the procedure, however, have no problems with fertility or childbirth.

Effectiveness

Alternative treatments for dysplasia include cryotherapy and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). A study by Marc J. Kleinberg, M.D., and others, reported in the May 2003 "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology," found that LEEP was more effective than cryotherapy in treating dysplasia and preventing new cases of cancer (see link in References). LEEP is also much more cost-effective than hysterectomy and does not limit fertility for most women.

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