If you have been told by your physician that you have abnormal cervical cells after a pap smear, you may be considering a number of treatment options. Your doctor may have recommended a loop electrosurgical excision procedure – also known as a LEEP procedure – or, in more serious cases, a hysterectomy. Let’s take a look at what each procedure involves, how many LEEPprocedures you can have, and how they can work together!
What is a LEEP procedure?
A LEEP procedure can be done in the office or in the operating room who would prefer to have anesthesia. The procedure is used to remove abnormal cervical tissue cells and diagnoseprecancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix after an abnormal pap smear.
During the procedure, an electrical wire loop is scraped across the cervix to remove any abnormal cells. Those cells are then tested for cancer.
A LEEP procedure:
- Takes about 20 minutes
- Uses local anesthetic
- Has a short recovery time (usually a few days)
- Safe and effective for removing pre-cancerous cells before they progress
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a gynecologic surgery procedure that completely removes the uterus and cervix. In some cases, your physician will also remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries. It isperformed using an open, minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic approach.
A hysterectomy is used to treat a number of conditions, including:
- Uterine prolapse
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Fibroids
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Endometriosis
- Gynecologic cancers
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
For certain gynecologic cancers, a hysterectomy can be a definitive treatment option.
How many LEEP procedures can you have before a hysterectomy?
Generally, most patients only need one LEEP procedure to successfully remove abnormal cells from the cervix. However, if any of the abnormal cells are missed or they return, a second LEEP procedure may be recommended by your physician.
Although rare, there are some risks associated with having multiple LEEP procedures:
- Weakened cervix – Each procedure removes a small portion of cervical tissue. Over time, this can thin and weaken the cervix, increasing the risk of an incompetent cervix or cervical insufficiency (when the cervix opens too early during pregnancy).
- Preterm birth or miscarriage risks – Because of the weakened cervical structure, women who become pregnant after multiple LEEPs may have a higher chance of premature delivery or pregnancy loss.
- Scar tissue formation (cervical stenosis) – Repeated removal of tissue can cause scar tissue to form, which may narrow the cervical canal. This can make future Pap smears or gynecologic exams more difficult and may even affect fertility.
- Increased recovery time – While a single LEEP has a short recovery, the cervix may take longer to heal after multiple procedures, potentially delaying future treatments or follow-up tests.
- Emotional stress and anxiety – Needing multiple procedures can be emotionally exhausting, especially if Pap smear results keep showing abnormal cells.
If you’ve had multiple LEEP procedures and continue to have recurring abnormal cells on your pap smear results, your OB/GYN may suggest a hysterectomy as a more permanent solution. By removing the uterus and cervix, a hysterectomy eliminates the possibility for abnormal cells to come back altogether.
Choosing the right care team
Learning that you have an abnormal pap smear can be a scary thing. That’s why the providers at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group OB/GYN are here for you every step of the way – from the moment the test results come back, to deciding on the best treatment plan for you. If you have questions about the LEEP procedure or a hysterectomy and which would be the best for you, call (770) 626-4621, or schedule an appointment online with one of our OB/GYN providers.