LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone), also known as loop diathermy, LEEP, loop excision, or loop biopsy, is the most common treatment for those with high-grade precancerous cells of the cervix or persistent low grade precancerous cells. This procedure uses a heated wire loop to remove abnormal cells, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
Although LLETZ sounds scary, most patients experience only slight discomfort during the procedure and minimal physical or emotional effects afterwards. Since a local anaesthetic is used, patients will not be able to feel the removal of the cells from the cervix via the heated wire.
While pain levels vary, after the procedure, patients may experience slight pain, but this will quickly subside and can be eased with regular painkillers. There are rarely ever any lasting physical effects from this procedure.
If you find vaginal examinations, such as colposcopy, particularly uncomfortable, LLETZ can be performed under general anaesthetic as a day-case procedure.
There is a strong chance (95%) that all abnormal cells will be removed following the treatment. However, a minimal number of patients may need to undergo further treatment for unexpected cell change, and this will be determined six months after the procedure, where you will be invited to undergo another cervical screening (test of cure test).
In future, it is vital to continue undergoing your cervical screening as advised because abnormal cells can be detected at any time.
Before your appointment, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any blood-thinning or over-the-counter medications you are taking, as these may increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure.
If you have been referred for this treatment for cervical cell changes, contact us today to book a consultation with one of our experienced gynaecologists.
LLETZ treatment is a straightforward outpatient procedure typically taking only 10-15 minutes. After numbing the cervix with a local anaesthetic injection, a thin heated wire loop carrying a mild electric current (diathermy) is used to remove the abnormal cells. The procedure also aims to preserve as much healthy cervical tissue as possible and minimise the risk of future cell changes.
On occasion, the removal of abnormal cervical cells can be carried out immediately after a private colposcopy examination. This is usually done if it is extremely clear that some of the cell changes in the cervix are abnormal and require urgent removal.
In most instances, we need to wait for biopsy results to determine whether abnormal cells need to be removed with the thin wire loop method.
During your consultation, our consultants will guide you on the next steps and ensure you are well-informed about the loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), so there will be no surprises.
As it is usually an outpatient procedure patients can go home right away and can immediately resume routine activities. We advise that patients take the day off when having treatment but should be able to return to work the next day. Some discomfort and minor vaginal bleeding are common after the procedure, but this can be alleviated with over-the-counter painkillers and a hot water bottle.
Brown vaginal discharge and light blood spotting are normal during the first week after the procedure. For the next four weeks, we advise patients to avoid the following activities:
The first period after treatment may arrive earlier or be slightly heavier than your regular period, but this should settle.
Six months after your LLETZ procedure, you will be scheduled for a smear test to check for any remaining abnormal cells and to ensure there is no high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection.
The potential risks associated with this type of treatment for cervical cell changes are very low, but there are some side effects that you should be aware of. These include:
The treatment aims to remove abnormal cells from the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer while preserving as much healthy cervical tissue as possible to support future pregnancies. It is highly unlikely that a woman who has had LLETZ treatment for abnormal cells will experience fertility issues.
Following this treatment, there is a slightly increased risk of premature birth before 37 weeks. This risk depends on medical history, the amount of cervical tissue removed during treatment and whether you have had more than one treatment.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future, it is crucial to inform your GP that you have had treatment for abnormal cervical cells to be referred to a consultant’s antenatal clinic so you can receive the right gynaecological and obstetric care.
LLETZ treatment under local anaesthetic. Includes colposcopy, removal of abnormal precancerous cervical cells and lab fees for £1250
LLETZ treatment can also be performed under general anaesthetic according to personal wishes, circumstances and previous experience. The fee for a general anaesthetic LLETZ procedure depends on the hospital it will be performed. Our dedicated team will provide details.
10 Knaresborough Pl,
Kensington, London,SW5 0TG
Chelsea Bridge Road
London, SW1W 8RH
801 London Road, North Cheam
Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9DW
53 Parkside, London
SW19 5NX
184 Coombe Lane West
Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EG
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