Loop electrical excision procedure: Difference between revisions

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The '''loop electrosurgical excision procedure''' ('''LEEP''') is currently one of the most commonly used approaches to treatingtreat high grade [[cervical dysplasia]] discovered on [[colposcopy|colposcopic]] examination. It is also known as "large loop excision of the transformation zone" (LLETZ).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure-leep-for-abnormal-cervical-cell-changes |title=Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for abnormal cervical cell changes |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> The procedure has many advantages including low cost, high success rate, and ease of use. The procedure can be done in an office setting and usually only requires a local [[anesthesia|anesthetic]], though sometimes a general [[anesthesia|anesthetic]] is used.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lib-sh.lsuhsc.edu/fammed/atlases/leep/leepadv.html |title= Advantages of LEEP|accessdate=2007-12-28 |last=Mayeaux, Jr. |first= E.J.|format= |work= }}</ref>

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 [[cervix|cervical]] 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/surgery/a/leepprocedure.htm|title= LEEP Procedure - What is LEEP? - Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure|accessdate=2007-12-28 |last= |first= |coauthors= |date=Tracee |work= Cornforth|publisher=About.com}}</ref>