Surgery Overview

An excisional biopsy of the cervix is a type of procedure. It removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of your uterus. It opens into your vagina.

There are a few ways the doctor can remove the tissue. One way is to use a surgical knife called a scalpel. Another way is to use a thin wire loop that's charged with electricity. This is called a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Or the doctor can use a laser.

You may be asleep during the procedure. But it is usually done while you are awake. Either way, you will be given medicine to help with pain during the procedure. The doctor removes the tissue through the vagina. The procedure won't leave a scar on the outside of your body.

After the procedure, another doctor will look at the tissue under a microscope. The doctor will check it for abnormal cells.

Most people go home 1 to 4 hours after the procedure. You can probably return to your normal routine in about a week. But be sure to wait to have vaginal sex until your doctor says it's okay.