Women in the Lakeland area have access to state-of-the-art cervix care at Aspirus Woodruff Clinic with the new LEEP Machine.
Introducing the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) Machine at Aspirus Woodruff Clinic marks a significant advancement in the treatment of cervical dysplasia. Joelle Wennlund, MD, a Board-certified Gynecologist at Aspirus Woodruff Clinic, says it’s a valuable technology to have in Woodruff to assist in preventing cervical cancer.
“It’s very important, especially now that we’re seeing an increase in cervical cancer,” said Dr. Wennlund. “Before we had the unit here, we had to arrange for another facility to try and fit into their schedule and often times women coming from further distances north of Woodruff had to travel an hour, two hours or more, to get this procedure done.”
The Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure is a treatment for abnormal cells on the cervix that uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut away abnormal tissue. It’s primarily used to diagnose and treat precancerous changes in the cervix.
The benefits of the LEEP Machine include:
- Precision: Allows for precise removal of abnormal tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Effectiveness: High success rate in removing abnormal cells, reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
- Minimal Discomfort: Typically performed under local anesthesia, causing minimal pain and discomfort.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients recover quickly and can resume normal activities within a few days.
During the procedure, the patient lies on an examination table, similar to a Pap smear. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to access the cervix. The LEEP device removes the abnormal tissue. Patients may experience mild cramping or spotting after the procedure and are generally advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks.
“It actually takes longer to set up the LEEP machine than it does to actually do the procedure,“ added Dr. Wennlund. “For the most part it’s more about the anxiety of exactly what we are doing, how it’s going to feel and not so much about actual pain of this very brief procedure.”
The Howard Young Foundation purchased the LEEP Machine for Aspirus Woodruff Clinic thanks to generous donations from the community. “I’m very grateful for the Howard Young Foundation,” added Dr. Wennlund. “To know how much they really care about treating patients locally means a lot to me.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joelle Wennlund, please call 715.356.8140 or visit aspirus.org.