loop electrosurgical excision procedure
Pronunciation: LEEP (acronym pronunciation)
Outpatient surgical technique using electrified wire loop to remove abnormal cervical tissue for treatment and diagnosis.
Full Definition
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a widely used outpatient treatment for cervical precancerous lesions that combines therapeutic tissue removal with diagnostic capabilities. The procedure employs a thin, electrified wire loop to excise abnormal cervical tissue under colposcopic guidance, typically performed under local anesthesia in an office setting. LEEP provides several advantages including excellent specimen quality for histopathological examination, preservation of fertility, low morbidity, and high cure rates for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The excised tissue allows for complete histopathological assessment to ensure adequate treatment and rule out invasive carcinoma.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as LEEP. Also known as LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of Transformation Zone).
In Context
- "LEEP procedure successfully removed the entire CIN 3 lesion with clear margins." — Operative report
- "The patient tolerated the LEEP procedure well with minimal discomfort." — Post-procedure note