NCCRM Raleigh is a well-established institution in the field of reproductive health. Our doctors use advanced technologies to help couples to have children of their own. Of the many tests and treatments we offer our patients, LEEP and cold knife conization, are discussed here.
Why Conization and LEEP are Used
LEEP or loop electrosurgical excision procedure and cold knife conization are two methods used in case of abnormal pap smears. Either procedure is used to do a biopsy if problems are spotted during a pelvic exam and rule out cervical dysplasia. This condition, if not treated in a timely manner, can result in cervical cancer.
LEEP is used to diagnose or treat conditions like genital warts, polyps, and DES exposure. All of these conditions indicate a risk of cervical cancer.
Cold knife conization is a method in which the doctor surgically removes a section of tissue (triangular or cone-shaped) for a biopsy. Both tests are performed at NCCRM Raleigh and tissues are examined in the lab.
Once the severity of dysplasia is diagnosed, the oncologist will recommend a treatment path. Cold knife conization is more precise as more tissue can be removed compared to LEEP.
How are LEEP and Conization Procedures Performed?
The cold knife conization procedure is performed under anesthesia – general or local, based on a patient’s choice. A sizeable amount of tissue from the cervix is excised and sent to the lab for diagnostic results.
In the LEEP method, a wire loop device is inserted into the vagina and abnormal cells from the cervix are taken. The wire loop is powered by a low voltage current. This is less invasive and easier to perform than conization.
Once the diagnosis is made available by the lab, an NCCRM Raleigh gynecologist/oncologist team talks to the patient. A treatment plan is put in place to treat the patient in case of cervical cancer. Recovering from both procedures takes a bit of time. For more information on these procedures, talk to your gynecologist at NCCRM Raleigh.
NCCRM Raleigh
NCCRM, the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine, is the premiere center for reproductive health in North Carolina and the East Coast. We are experts in IVF, gestation surrogacy, male infertility, tubal ligation reversal, and more. Contact us!
