Loop electrical excision procedure: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:46, 7 May 2007

Revision as of 16:18, 30 September 2007

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When performing a LEEP, the [[physician]] uses a wire loop through which an electrical current is passed at variable power settings. Various shapes and sizes of loop can be used depending on the size and orientation of the lesion. The [[transformation zone]] and [[lesion]] are excised to an adequate depth, which in most cases is at least 8 mm, and extending 4 to 5 mm beyond the lesion. A second pass with a more narrow loop can also be done to obtain an [[endocervical]] specimen for further [[histology|histologic]] evaluation.

The LEEP technique results in some thermal artifact in all specimens obtained due to the use of electricity which simultaneously cuts and cauterizes the lesion, but this does not generally interfere with [[pathology|pathological]] interpretation. Complications are less frequent in comparison to a [[cold knife conization]], but can include [[infection]] and [[hemorrhage]]. Damage to the cervical [[stroma]] may lead to [[cervical stenosis]] or [[cervical incompetence|incompetence]]. The LEEP does not appear to affect [[fertility]]. However, a recent study indicated that LEEP appears to increase the risk of premature rupture of the membranes during subsequent pregnancies which may lead to preterm delivery.

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