Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a surgical method of removing tissue from the cervix using a fine loop of wire. The wire is heated with an electric current until it is extremely hot and can cut through tissue.

LEEP can be used to take a sample of tissue for a biopsy and diagnosis or to remove tissue.

The woman usually takes ibuprofen or a similar medicine before the procedure and has a local anesthetic applied to the cervix.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Kevin C. Kiley, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology