What is LEEP?
The LEEP procedure is one of the most common gynecologic procedures performed today. The letters LEEP are an abbreviation for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. The loop is a tiny thin cautery wire that is in the shape of a "loop". During the procedure, this wire gets red hot (from electricity) and the loop is swept across the affected tip of the cervix–effectively melting through the tissue and making a clean cut across its tip. This acts to cauterize the area to prevent bleeding. Sometimes there is some confusion between LEEP and LOOP and people use the words interchangeably, but they are not.

LEEP is performed to treat cervical/cervix dysplasia, or a abnormal change in the cells of the cervix (the cervix being the opening from the uterus to the vagina). The way that this abnormal dysplastic tissue on the cervix is discovered is with a PAP SMEAR. Other ways to treat this problem of dysplasia of the cervix include a "cold knife cone biopsy"–the surgeon uses a scalpel then sutures the area to prevent bleeding. The area can be "lasered" as in "laser ablation" or "frozen" (cryoablation). Lasers can be very accurate in removing the tissue and healing can be faster. Cryosurgery is often done in the office but is not effective for all types of dysplasia. Cryosurgery done in the office is done while the patient is awake. Your Gyn doctor can help you make the choice that’s right for you.