When performing a LEEP, the
physician uses a wire loop through which an
electric current is passed at variable
power settings. Various shapes and sizes of loop can be used depending on the size and orientation of the lesion. The
cervical transformation zone and
lesion are excised to an adequate depth, which in most cases is at least 8 mm, and extending 4 to 5 mm beyond the lesion. A second pass with a more narrow loop can also be done to obtain an
endocervical specimen for further
histologic evaluation. The LEEP technique results in some thermal artifact in all specimens obtained due to the use of electricity which simultaneously cuts and cauterizes the lesion, but this does not generally interfere with
pathological interpretation provided depth is not exceeded. The thermal artifact can be a function of depth and time. ==Complications==