Definition of  LEEP

LEEP = Loop Electro Excision Procedure

A method of diagnostic and therapeutic excision of the cervical os done during colposcopy.  Women that have abnormal pap smears have this done to better define how abnormal the tissue is and to remove the abnormal tissue at the same time.  The pap smear is just a screening tool, the LEEP actually gives the pathologist a tissue sample to look at, and at the same time hopefully removes all the abnormal tissue at the same time.  IF the biopsy is really "bad", the pathologist checks the margins of the biopsy.  It utilizes a "hot knife" that cuts and cauterizes the tissue at the same time.  This is the new way to do a "cone biopsy" of the cervix.  Usually done in the office using local anesthesia.

It is commonly done by family physicians, OB/GYN's and not just GYN/onc's.

Jon Ahrendsen MD FAAFP

Clarion, Iowa USA