Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is used to treat abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. During the procedure, the cells are removed to prevent development of cervical cancer.
Wire loops attached to an electrosurgical generator cut away the affected tissue, causing the cells to heat and burst. The removed tissue is then sent to a lab for further evaluation. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes and can be performed in the office.