Loop electrosurgical excision procedure, also known as LEEP, is an inexpensive, simple technique that uses a radio-frequency current to remove abnormal areas on the cervix called dysplasia. Theses dysplastic areas have been diagnosed at colposcopy. It has an advantage over the destructive techniques in that an intact tissue sample for analysis can be obtained. Vaginal discharge and spotting commonly occur after this procedure, which can last for up to a month. Complications occur in about 1% to 2% of women undergoing LEEP, and include cervical narrowing (stenosis), and bleeding. This procedure is used most commonly for the treatment of moderate to severe cervical dysplasia.
Cone biopsy (conization) was once the primary procedure used to treat cervical dysplasia, but the other methods have now replaced it for this purpose. However, when a physician cannot view the entire area that needs to be seen during colposcopy, a cone biopsy is typically recommended. It is also recommended if additional tissue sampling is needed to obtain more information regarding the diagnosis. This technique allows the size and shape of the sampling to be tailored. Cone biopsy has a slightly higher risk of cervical complications than the other treatments, and these can include postoperative bleeding in 5% of women and narrowing of the cervix.