LEEP

LEEP

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) is a modern treatment method where abnormal cells in the cervix are removed with the help of a thin wire loop heated by electric current. It is applied when pre-cancerous cell changes (CIN – cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) are detected. This procedure is both diagnostic (for biopsy purposes) and therapeutic. The LEEP method precisely cleans the abnormal area in the cervix, ensuring the preservation of healthy tissue. Today, it is one of the most effective and safe treatment options for women with abnormal smear results or HPV positivity detected in cervical screenings. ⚕️

What is LEEP?

LEEP is an electrosurgical method used to remove abnormal cells in the cervix. A low-voltage electric current is applied through a thin wire loop, allowing the tissue to be gently cut and removed. The tissue taken during the procedure ensures the cleaning of the diseased area and is sent to the laboratory for pathological examination. LEEP is performed under local anesthesia in a short time and preserves the uterus, thus not affecting fertility. 🌸

How is LEEP Performed?

The LEEP procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia in the gynecological examination position. A speculum is placed in the vagina, and the cervix is visualized. The abnormal area is identified with the help of a colposcope. Then, a small piece of cervical tissue is cut with a thin wire loop (loop) heated by electric current. The procedure takes an average of 5–10 minutes. The risk of bleeding is very low; after the procedure, the area is cauterized with special solutions to control bleeding. The patient can get up shortly and return home the same day. 💎

In Which Situations is LEEP Applied?

LEEP is applied when pre-cancerous (pre-cancerous) cell changes are detected in the cervix.
– Detection of abnormality in the Pap-smear test (ASC-H, HSIL, etc.)
– Suspicious area seen in colposcopy along with HPV test positivity
– Detection of high-grade lesions such as CIN 2 or CIN 3
– Detection of dysplasia (cell disorder) in a previous biopsy
In these cases, LEEP is used both for diagnosis and treatment. 🤺

Advantages of the LEEP Procedure

LEEP is both a safe and effective procedure. Its advantages include:
– Prevents the development of cervical cancer.
– Has both diagnostic and therapeutic properties.
– Preserves the uterus and fertility.
– Is applied in a short time and is painless.
– Does not require hospitalization.
– The healing process is fast.
Thanks to these features, LEEP offers a more comfortable treatment compared to traditional surgical procedures. ✅

Post-LEEP Process

A few days after the procedure, light vaginal discharge or pinkish bleeding may occur. This is normal. It is recommended to avoid vaginal tampons, douching, and sexual intercourse for 3–4 weeks. The area regenerates itself in a short time. No stitches are required and it usually leaves no scar. A doctor’s check-up is usually done 4–6 weeks later. Once healing is complete, patients can return to their normal lives. 🌿

LEEP and Fertility

The LEEP procedure is applied only to the superficial area of the cervix, not to the uterus itself. Therefore, it does not affect fertility. In women planning pregnancy, cervical function is preserved after the procedure. However, if a very large tissue removal is required in advanced cases, there may be slight narrowing in the cervix. This situation is quite rare. 🤰

Difference Between LEEP and Conization

Conization is the process of removing cone-shaped tissue from the cervix. LEEP is a more precise and minimally invasive version of this procedure using an electric loop. In other words, LEEP is a more modern and comfortable version of conization. It has a similar success rate to methods like laser conization but is less traumatic. 💡

Practical Information About the LEEP Procedure
Feature	Description
Application Duration	5–10 minutes
Type of Anesthesia	Local (general if necessary)
Healing Time	2–4 weeks
Effect on Fertility	Generally unaffected
Control Time	4–6 weeks later

LEEP Prices

The prices of the LEEP procedure vary depending on the center where it will be applied, the technology used, and the amount of tissue to be taken during the procedure. In our clinic, a special evaluation is made for each patient and a personalized treatment plan is prepared. For current price information, you can contact our clinic. 📞

The LEEP procedure is an effective method that eliminates the risk of cervical cancer. Thanks to early diagnosis and correct application, both the uterus is preserved and the chance of future pregnancy is secured. 🌷