Loop electrosurgical excision procedure

What is it?

A small, thin, metal loop is electrically heated to remove a small piece of abnormal tissue from the cervix. A loop excision is also referred to as a ‘hot loop, electroloop, LEEP or a LLETZ’.

The removed tissue is analysed much like a biopsy by the pathologist.

When is it indicated?

After an abnormal pap smear, when abnormalities are observed.

Course of the procedure

This simple procedure can usually be done using a local anaesthetic on an outpatient basis in the examination room of the outpatient clinic.

The entire procedure takes no more than ten minutes.

Depending on your wishes, and the condition being assessed, you may choose to have this procedure done under general anaesthesia during an outpatient admission.

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Latest publication date: 13/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Verschueren Eva