Cervical procedures (LEEP

Cervical procedures (LEEP

Cervical procedures (LEEP

On this page

🔪 The Cervical Scoop

  • LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure): A "see and treat" method using a low-voltage, high-frequency electrical current via a wire loop. It simultaneously excises and cauterizes the cervical transformation zone for histology.
  • Indications: Primarily for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), confirmed as CIN 2 or CIN 3 on biopsy.
  • Complications:
    • Immediate: Bleeding, infection.
    • Long-term: Cervical stenosis.

High-Yield Risk: Excision of cervical tissue can lead to cervical incompetence, increasing the risk of preterm labor and second-trimester pregnancy loss.

LEEP procedure diagram showing excision of cervical cells

🔬 Anatomy - Transformation Zone Focus

Cervical Transformation Zone Anatomy Diagram

  • Transformation Zone (TZ): Dynamic area on the cervix between the original and new squamocolumnar junction (SCJ).
    • Epithelium: Site of squamous metaplasia, where glandular (columnar) epithelium is replaced by squamous epithelium.
    • Clinical Significance: High cellular turnover makes it the primary site for HPV infection and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN).

⭐ The TZ's location is hormone-dependent. It everts onto the ectocervix in younger women and recedes into the endocervical canal post-menopause, impacting colposcopy.

⚡ Management - The LEEP Algorithm

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) is a primary "see and treat" modality for cervical dysplasia. It is both diagnostic, providing a tissue specimen for histology, and therapeutic, by excising the entire transformation zone.

  • Indications: Confirmed CIN 2, CIN 3. Also used for unsatisfactory colposcopy when a high-grade lesion is suspected.
  • Complications:
    • Immediate: Bleeding, infection, incomplete excision.
    • Long-term: Cervical stenosis, ↑ risk of preterm delivery.

⭐ LEEP increases the risk of future pregnancy complications, including cervical insufficiency and preterm birth, due to the removal of cervical stroma.

LEEP procedure diagram

⚠️ Complications - Post-Procedure Pitfalls

  • Immediate (<4 weeks):
    • Bleeding: Most common. Delayed bleeding can occur at 7-14 days. Manage with pressure, Monsel's solution, or sutures.
    • Infection: Endometritis/cervicitis. Presents with fever, malodorous purulent discharge.
    • Vaginal Discharge: Normal for weeks; often dark/"coffee-ground".
  • Long-Term:
    • Cervical Stenosis: Can cause dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility.
    • Cervical Insufficiency: ↑ risk of preterm birth & 2nd-trimester loss.
    • Incomplete Excision: Positive margins require close follow-up (Pap/HPV co-testing at 6 months).

⭐ The most significant long-term obstetric risk is cervical insufficiency, leading to ↑ preterm delivery risk. Risk is proportional to excision depth.

⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • LEEP is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for high-grade cervical dysplasia (CIN 2/3).
  • It excises the entire transformation zone using an electrified wire loop, providing a specimen for histologic analysis.
  • Unlike ablative methods, LEEP preserves tissue, allowing for crucial assessment of excision margins.
  • Immediate complications include bleeding (most common), infection, and cervical stenosis.
  • Long-term risks for future pregnancies include cervical incompetence and preterm delivery.
  • Post-procedure surveillance with co-testing (Pap + HPV) is essential to monitor for recurrence.

Practice Questions: Cervical procedures (LEEP

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 29-year-old G1P0 presents to her obstetrician for her first prenatal care visit at 12 weeks gestation by last menstrual period. She states that her breasts are very tender and swollen, and her exercise endurance has declined. She otherwise feels well. She is concerned about preterm birth, as she heard that certain cervical procedures increase the risk. The patient has a gynecologic history of loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for cervical dysplasia several years ago and has had negative Pap smears since then. She also has mild intermittent asthma that is well controlled with occasional use of her albuterol inhaler. At this visit, this patient’s temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C), pulse is 69/min, blood pressure is 119/61 mmHg, and respirations are 13/min. Cardiopulmonary exam is unremarkable, and the uterine fundus is just palpable at the pelvic brim. Pelvic exam reveals normal female external genitalia, a closed and slightly soft cervix, a 12-week-size uterus, and no adnexal masses. Which of the following is the best method for evaluating for possible cervical incompetence in this patient?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Cervical procedures (LEEP

1/7

A _____ presents with a "popping/snap" sound during sexual intercourse; resulting in penile pain, swelling, and ecchymosis

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

A _____ presents with a "popping/snap" sound during sexual intercourse; resulting in penile pain, swelling, and ecchymosis

penile fracture

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial