LLETZ procedure – Glengarry Private Hospital, Perth

LLETZ – Summary

1. LLETZ is a treatment to remove pre-cancerous cells.
2. The LLETZ technique preserves as much cervix as possible.
3. The majority of LLETZ procedures can be done under local anaesthesia.
4. They are performed as day case surgery at Glengarry Private Hospital in Perth.
5. LLETZ is overall very well tolerated by most women.
6. Afterwards, a few weeks are needed for discharge to settle.
7. Mild infections can sometimes occur during healing, needing antibiotics.
8. Significant complications are rare, but the cervix can be weakened for pregnancy.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should do your own research. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. For instance, your GP’s opinion will be very helpful.

Glengarry Private Hospital is a friendly medium-sized hospital in the Northern suburbs in Duncraig, very near to the freeway, midway between Joondalup and Osborne Park Hospital.

Call us to arrange a consultation • Perth (08) 6119 9160

What is the LLETZ procedure?

The removal of abnormal cells, detected on a smear, from the cervix with a heated loop. A LLETZ can also be called a LEEP procedure.

Why do I need a LLETZ?

Following an abnormal smear test, colposcopy & biopsies, it becomes clear that the abnormal cells present on the cervix aren’t mild and likely to go away by themselves. Therefore, it’s important to have them removed in a simple way as they may develop, over the course of several years, into cancer of the cervix.

Duration

The LLETZ procedure takes about 10 minutes at Glengarry Hospital, and is very straightforward.

Risks

• Infection (1/20 chance)
• Not all cells removed needing further treatment(3% chance)
• Reaction to anaesthetic/procedure (<1%)
• Premature labour in a subsequent pregnancy. This varies with the size of the biopsy and the size of the cervix. Not having the cells removed doesn’t help as having the abnormal cells gives the same risk of premature labour.

How is a LLETZ performed?

It’s very similar to a coloposcopy.

1. You will be asked to lie on the examination bed at Glengarry with your legs supported by stirrups.
2. A speculum will be placed like when you have a Pap smear.
3. The colposcope – a special kind of microscope – will be set up for viewing the cervical area.
4. A staining solution will be applied to your cervix. This highlights the abnormal cells.
5. Your cervix is anaesthetised with local anaesthetic. This may be slightly uncomfortable.
6. The abnormal cells are then removed by an heated wire loop – the LLETZ. This does not hurt.
7. The treated area is then sealed using heat to prevent bleeding.
8. The removed cells are sent for testing by pathology.

Important

Let us know if you’re having a heavy period | have an infection | are travelling | are getting married | or have an important event in the month after your appointment. We can easily rearrange your LLETZ for another time.

Straight after the LLETZ procedure

• You might get a little cramping pain afterwards, although many patients do not. Take paracetamol, ibuprofen or panadeine if you want
• You can go home from Glengarry after 20 minutes or so
• You will get a blood-stained discharge initially. This may be pink, red or brown/black
• It will then become watery and continue for up to four weeks after treatment while healing takes place
• Use panty liners NOT TAMPONS

Give us a call at Glengarry Private Hospital, or seek medical advice from your GP or an emergency department if you experience any of the following after your LLETZ

• Offensive & smelly vaginal discharge
• Heavy vaginal bleeding up to 14 days after treatment
• Severe abdominal cramps | pain

After your LLETZ, avoid

• Heavy or vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.
• Tampons, until the discharge has settled, usually about 4 weeks.
• Sexual intercourse, until the discharge has settled, usually about 4 weeks.
• Long baths. Short baths are OK.

LLETZ results

• We are unable to give the LLETZ results out over the phone.
• Usually results are available in 1-2 weeks.

Follow up after a LLETZ

• A follow-up smear & colposcopy is nearly always required 4-6 months after treatment.
• This is to make absolutely sure all cells have been removed at the LLETZ.
• We’ll automatically book this appointment at our Glengarry rooms for you. Call us to change it if it’s inconvenient.
• You will then need a smear plus viral screen after 6 months then yearly until you’ve had two negatives. Then you can return to normal screening every 2 years.

Smoking

Stopping smoking is an important way of reducing chances of the cells coming back. It allows your body’s own defences to fight the pre-cancerous cells. If you smoke we’d strongly advise you to stop.

Make an appointment

Glengarry Private Hospital is a friendly medium-sized hospital in the Northern suburbs in Duncraig, very near to the freeway, midway between Joondalup and Osborne Park Hospital.