Our Summary

This study looked at two different procedures used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women who did not respond to at least three months of medical treatment. The two procedures compared were ball endometrial ablation and transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE), both performed using a device called a bipolar resectoscope. The researchers observed how long each procedure took, how much fluid was lost during the procedure, and how much pain patients felt after the procedure. They also followed up with the patients 3, 6, and 12 months after their surgeries to compare their satisfaction, whether they stopped having periods (amenorrhea rate), if they needed additional procedures (reintervention rate), and their scores on a chart used to measure blood loss. The results showed that the ball endometrial ablation procedure took significantly less time than the TCRE procedure. However, the other factors, like satisfaction and need for more procedures, were about the same for both groups.

FAQs

  1. What were the two procedures compared in the study for treating heavy menstrual bleeding?
  2. What factors were considered by the researchers to compare the effectiveness of the two procedures?
  3. Did the study find any significant differences in the outcomes of the ball endometrial ablation procedure and the transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE) procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about endometrial ablation is to discuss the different types of procedures available, such as ball endometrial ablation and transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE), and consider factors like procedure time, pain level, and long-term outcomes when making a decision. It’s also important to follow up with your doctor regularly after the procedure to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for endometrial ablation are those who have heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) that has not responded to other medical treatments such as hormonal therapy or medications. Endometrial ablation is not recommended for women who have certain medical conditions such as uterine cancer, uterine abnormalities, or who may want to become pregnant in the future. It is also not recommended for women who have an active pelvic infection or certain types of uterine fibroids. Endometrial ablation is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for women who are looking for a minimally invasive solution to their heavy menstrual bleeding.

Timeline

  • Before endometrial ablation:
  1. Patient experiences heavy menstrual bleeding that does not respond to at least three months of medical treatment.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
  3. Patient chooses to undergo endometrial ablation as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparation for the procedure.
  • During endometrial ablation:
  1. Patient undergoes either ball endometrial ablation or TCRE procedure using a bipolar resectoscope.
  2. Procedure is performed to remove or destroy the lining of the uterus to reduce or stop menstrual bleeding.
  3. Procedure typically takes less than an hour and involves minimal fluid loss.
  • After endometrial ablation:
  1. Patient may experience some pain or discomfort after the procedure, which is typically managed with pain medications.
  2. Patient is monitored for any complications or side effects following the procedure.
  3. Patient is followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months post-procedure to assess satisfaction, amenorrhea rate, need for reintervention, and blood loss scores.
  4. Patient may experience a reduction or cessation of menstrual bleeding after the procedure.
  5. Patient may require additional procedures or treatments if the initial procedure is not completely effective in reducing menstrual bleeding.

Overall, endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide relief for women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding. It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with their healthcare provider before making a decision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with endometrial ablation?
  2. How long does the procedure typically take?
  3. How much pain can I expect during and after the procedure?
  4. What is the success rate of endometrial ablation in reducing or eliminating heavy menstrual bleeding?
  5. Will I still be able to have children after undergoing endometrial ablation?
  6. How soon after the procedure can I expect to see results in terms of reduced menstrual bleeding?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to be aware of after undergoing endometrial ablation?
  8. What is the likelihood of needing additional procedures or treatments in the future?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with you after the procedure?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of with endometrial ablation?

Reference

Authors: Subbaiah M, Selvest N, Maurya DK. Journal: Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2021 Aug 3;10(3):143-147. doi: 10.4103/GMIT.GMIT_88_20. eCollection 2021 Jul-Sep. PMID: 34485057