LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) is performed to further evaluate abnormal cervical cells.  Excision provides a sample of tissue to confirm the degree of abnormality and check for cancerous or precancerous cells deep within the cervix.  For some women, excision can also remove the abnormal cells completely.  If the edges of the tissue that is removed show evidence of the abnormality or precancer, further treatment may be needed. This procedure utilizes a very thin wire in the shape of a loop and modern electrosurgical generators that allow accurate and selective blending of an electric current. The loop is carefully passed from one side of the cervix to the other, allowing the cutting current to divide the tissue. The removed portion of the cervix will be sent to a pathology lab for microscopic evaluation.  Typically, a woman is seen for a follow up examination several weeks after treatment to make sure the cervix is healing.