Leep (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) in Houston, TX
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, is recommended for treating certain abnormalities in a woman’s lower genital tract. At North Cypress Women’s Center, our board-certified (gynecological) surgeon Dr. Farhina Imtiaz offers LEEP procedures for women in Houston and surrounding areas of Texas, including Cypress, Sugarland, and Katy.
What is LEEP?
LEEP is an acronym for “loop electrosurgical excision procedure,” a treatment for certain precancerous changes that affect a woman’s cervix. LEEP may be used to diagnose or provide treatment of cervical dysplasia (pre-cancer changes in the cervix). Loop electrosurgical excision works by removing a thin layer of tissue with a wire loop that is heated via electricity.
LEEP Benefits
Dr. Imtiaz performs LEEP on women to:
- Accurately diagnose a condition via tissue samples that are sent to a lab for evaluation
- Provide safe and effective treatment for conditions that affect the tissues of the cervix
When is LEEP Recommended?
The loop electrosurgical excision procedure is used for several conditions that affect the lower genital tract. Some of the most common conditions that are diagnosed and treated with LEEP are:
- Cancer risk in women whose mothers took diethylstilbestrol while they were pregnant
- Polyps and other benign growths
- Genital warts
- Severe dysplasia of cervix
How is LEEP Performed?
In most cases, the loop electrosurgical excision procedure is performed in our office, and you go home the same day. You will need to completely empty your bladder just before the procedure. You lie on the examination table with your feet and legs supported, similar to when you have a Pap test or pelvic examination. A speculum is used to spread the walls of the vagina. Dr. Imtiaz administers local anesthesia to numb the area. She then uses the LEEP wire to remove thin layers of tissue.
LEEP Preparation
If Dr. Imtiaz determines that LEEP is necessary for tissue sampling or treatment, she will explain the procedure and the anticipated outcomes. We recommend that you bring someone to your LEEP appointment so that you do not need to drive yourself home.
LEEP Recovery
You should rest for the day after the loop electrosurgical excision procedure. If tissue samples were sent to a lab, Dr. Imtiaz will contact you with the results and recommend treatments. If LEEP is performed to remove growths or other abnormalities, Dr. Imtiaz will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress. Please refrain from intercourse or bath for 2 weeks after this procedure. You may notice a dark vaginal discharge after this procedure.
How Much Does LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) Cost in Houston?
The loop electrosurgical excision procedure is covered by most medical insurances. Your insurance carrier determines your out-of-pocket costs. You can pay for your portion with cash, major credit card and CareCredit® financing.
Is LEEP Right for Me?
The loop electrosurgical excision procedure is recommended for women who have abnormalities or growths in the vagina or cervix. Some circumstances, though, may preclude you from having the procedure, such as:
- Acute pelvic inflammatory disease
- Active menstruation
- Acute cervical inflammation
- Pregnancy
LEEP Consultation
LEEP is a safe and effective diagnostic tool and treatment protocol when performed by an experienced clinical provider. Our board-certified (gynecological) surgeon, Dr. Farhina Imtiaz, specializes in LEEP for women. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and feel confident about your loop electrosurgical excision procedure.
Diagnosing and treating conditions of the vagina and cervix may be accomplished by way of LEEP, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure. For women in Houston and surrounding areas of Texas, including Cypress, Sugarland, and Katy, North Cypress Women’s Center offers loop electrosurgical excision procedures performed by our board-certified (gynecological) surgeon, Dr. Farhina Imtiaz.