ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION

ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION: NEW ALTERNATIVE FOR HYSTRECTOMY

Many women are suffering from heavy and irregular periods(menorrhagia or Menometrorrhagia) which is a disturbing condition personally, socially and also medically (it causes anemia). For this condition the traditional method of therapy has been Hysterectomy which is a major operation and is performed as in-patient procedure and carries possible serious risks and complication. Patients have to stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days.

Recently FDA has approved some devices for out patient treatment for these patients who are suffering from abnormal and heavy bleedings. These devices are called endometrial ablation devices. They shrink the abnormal uterine lining called endometrium. There are several companies that provide different devices for endometrial ablation. One of these devises is called NOVASURE which uses radiofrequency for endometrial ablation. This is my favorite of all devices because it is very simple, safe , quick and effective procedure with very good results. Patients can undergo this procedure in the office setting and go back to work the next day. In most patients the menstrual flow decreases considerably and in 30 40% of them the periods will stop completely. There are other devices for this procedure like HER OPTION which uses cold freezing for this procedure. Balloon Thermachoice hydro therapy uses warm water in a balloon to achieve this result. There is also hot water technique (HTA Hydrothermblator) for this procedure. other techniques include ultrasound and microwave.

The older techniques included roller ball and laser for endometrial ablation which are now abandoned.

Who are the candidates for this procedure?

All women who are disturbed by heavy bleedings which is causing : anemia and tiredness, problem with intimacy with their partner, problem with social life and daily activities and just simply do not want to have any more any periods.

You should remember that if you are planning to become pregnant, or have uterine malignancy , large fibroids , pelvic infection or chronic pelvic pain , you are not the right candidate for this procedure.

What are the risks of endometrial ablation?

The risks are not frequent. Like any other surgical procedures, there is small possibility of infection , bleeding, pain, accumulation of fluid in uterus and rarely uterine perforation. There is also possibility of hindering detection of uterine cancer.