What should you know about surgical LEEP?

LEEP, also called LLETZ, is usually performed through the vagina while you are awake with local anaesthetic, although arrangements vary. A speculum helps the clinician see the cervix. A colposcope may magnify the area, and the loop removes the targeted surface tissue. The sample is sent for laboratory examination to confirm the cell changes and whether the edges of the removed tissue are clear. LEEP is commonly used for cervical dysplasia, which describes abnormal cells and is not the same as invasive cancer.

Tell the clinic if you could be pregnant, have an allergy, take blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding condition. Follow instructions about medicines and arrangements for the appointment. Light bleeding, watery discharge and period-like cramps can occur while the cervix heals. Use pads, avoid inserting anything into the vagina and pause sex, swimming and vigorous exercise for the period advised by your clinician. Attend follow-up testing because treated cervical changes can return or require continued monitoring.

Get urgent advice for bleeding that is heavy or increasing, severe pelvic pain, fever, chills, dizziness, or discharge with a strong unpleasant smell. Seek emergency help if you feel faint, collapse or develop difficulty breathing. These signs need assessment rather than waiting for routine follow-up.

Ask what the cervical changes mean, why LEEP is suitable, how much tissue may be removed, when the laboratory result is expected, how it may affect a future pregnancy, and when follow-up testing is due.