LEEP
Pronunciation: leep
Also written as: LEEP — loop electrosurgical excision procedure
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure; a treatment method for removing abnormal cervical tissue using an electrical wire loop.
Full Definition
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a common outpatient treatment for cervical precancerous lesions and early-stage cervical cancer. The procedure uses a thin wire loop heated by electrical current to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix. LEEP serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, providing tissue for histopathologic examination while treating the lesion. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and has largely replaced traditional cold knife conization for many cervical abnormalities due to its effectiveness and lower complication rates.
Usage
Usage note: Pronounced as a word ('leep'). In some regions, may be called LLETZ (large loop excision of transformation zone).
In Context
- "The patient underwent LEEP procedure with clear margins achieved on all specimens." — Surgical report
- "Post-LEEP surveillance includes cytology and HPV co-testing at 12 and 24 months." — Follow-up protocol