LEEP Procedure | Şişli, Nişantaşı, Istanbul

What is LEEP?

LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) removes a thin piece of cervical tissue using a fine wire loop. It is an excisional procedure used in selected patients with high-grade cervical precancer or when an excisional specimen is needed for diagnosis and treatment.

LEEP is not performed simply because an HPV test is positive. HPV testing identifies viral infection; cytology, colposcopy and biopsy provide different information about cervical cells and tissue.

When may LEEP be considered?

Common clinical situations include biopsy-proven HSIL/CIN2 or CIN3, selected cases with persistent high-grade cytology, or situations in which the transformation zone and endocervical disease need excisional assessment. Age, pregnancy plans, previous treatment and pathology all affect the decision.

What does the pathology report tell us?

The specimen is examined for lesion grade, glandular disease where relevant and margin status. Margins are useful, but they do not replace post-treatment HPV-based surveillance.

Does LEEP remove HPV?

LEEP removes abnormal tissue; it is not an antiviral treatment. HPV may become undetectable after successful treatment, but a positive HPV result after LEEP does not automatically mean the procedure failed.

Fertility and future pregnancy

Most patients can become pregnant after LEEP. The amount and depth of tissue removed and repeat excisional procedures may matter for future obstetric risk. If future pregnancy is important, include it in treatment planning.

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