The patient has to undergo a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which of the following represents the potential long-term complications from this procedure
A. Cervical incompetence & cervical stenosis
B. Constipation
C. Hernia and intraperitoneal adhesions
D. Abscess
Correct Answer: A. Cervical incompetence
Explanation
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): Potential long-term complications
LEEP is generally safe, but some long-term complications can occur, especially related to future fertility and pregnancy.
Key long-term complications include:
- Cervical incompetence (cervical insufficiency)
- Due to removal of cervical tissue
- Can lead to second-trimester pregnancy loss or preterm labor
- Preterm birth
- Increased risk in future pregnancies
- May be associated with premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)
- Cervical stenosis
- Narrowing of the cervical canal
- Can cause:
- Dysmenorrhea
- Infertility (rare)
- Difficulty in cervical dilation during labor
- Low birth weight babies
- Secondary to preterm delivery
Complications that are NOT long-term
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain
(these are short-term complications)
✅ Most commonly tested long-term complication
👉 Cervical incompetence leading to preterm labor
Other Options Details
Here is a clear explanation of all the options, commonly discussed in relation to gynecological or surgical procedures (e.g., cervical procedures like LEEP, surgeries, or pelvic conditions):
A. Cervical incompetence & Cervical stenosis
- Cervical incompetence:
- Weakening of the cervix, leading to painless cervical dilatation during pregnancy.
- Can result in recurrent second-trimester abortions or preterm labor.
- Often associated with cervical surgeries such as LEEP or cone biopsy.
- Cervical stenosis:
- Narrowing or complete closure of the cervical canal.
- May cause amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, infertility, or difficulty in cervical dilation during labor.
- Also a known complication after cervical procedures.
B. Constipation
- A condition characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
- Commonly occurs due to:
- Reduced mobility after surgery
- Pain medications (especially opioids)
- Dehydration or low-fiber diet
- It is a temporary postoperative complication, not a long-term gynecological complication.
C. Hernia and intraperitoneal adhesions
- Hernia:
- Protrusion of abdominal contents through a weak point in the abdominal wall.
- Can occur after abdominal or pelvic surgery due to weakened tissues.
- Intraperitoneal adhesions:
- Fibrous bands forming between abdominal organs after surgery or infection.
- May lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or intestinal obstruction.
- More common after open abdominal surgeries.
D. Abscess
- A localized collection of pus due to infection.
- May occur postoperatively if infection develops.
- Presents with fever, pain, tenderness, and swelling.
- Considered an acute complication, not a long-term effect.
Key Clinical Point
- Long-term complications after cervical procedures (like LEEP) include:
Cervical incompetence and cervical stenosis (Option A) - Options B, C, and D are either temporary or acute postoperative complications, not specific long-term cervical complications.
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Writer: Vandita Singh,Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group