Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness of a procedure known as NovaSure endometrial ablation in treating abnormal bleeding from the uterus. Researchers looked back at records of 2152 patients who had undergone this procedure at a hospital in China between 2010 and 2018. They found that the procedure was effective in more than 95% of cases each year and that the rate of needing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) after the procedure was low, at 1.86%.

They also found that age, the presence of growths in the uterus (polyps), the length of the uterus, a disorder affecting blood clotting, and the level of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) before the operation could affect how well the procedure worked. In particular, they found that the procedure was less effective in patients with a blood clotting disorder and those with a larger uterus.

The researchers concluded that the NovaSure procedure is a reliable treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding as it is safe, effective, and involves a quick recovery with minimal bleeding. However, they recommend that it should be used cautiously in patients with a uterus longer than 10 cm.

FAQs

  1. What is the effectiveness of the NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure in treating abnormal uterine bleeding?
  2. What factors can affect the effectiveness of the NovaSure procedure?
  3. What is the recommendation for patients with a uterus longer than 10 cm considering the NovaSure procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about endometrial ablation is to discuss any potential risk factors or conditions that may affect the success of the procedure, such as age, presence of uterine growths, blood clotting disorders, and uterus size. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about these factors before undergoing the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for endometrial ablation are those who suffer from abnormal uterine bleeding that has not responded to other treatments such as medication or hormonal therapy. This can include patients with conditions such as menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), metrorrhagia (irregular menstrual bleeding), or dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods).

Additionally, patients who are not planning to have any more children may also be good candidates for endometrial ablation, as the procedure can affect fertility. Patients with certain medical conditions that make them poor candidates for surgery or anesthesia may also be recommended for endometrial ablation as it is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in an outpatient setting.

It is important for patients considering endometrial ablation to discuss their medical history, symptoms, and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.

Timeline

Before endometrial ablation:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding, such as heavy or prolonged periods
  • Patient may undergo diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or hysteroscopy, to determine the cause of the bleeding
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including endometrial ablation
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative testing to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the procedure

After endometrial ablation:

  • Patient undergoes the NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure, which typically takes less than 5 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure
  • Patient may experience cramping, spotting, or discharge for a few days after the procedure
  • Patient follows post-operative instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activity and using pain medication as needed
  • Patient has a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and assess the effectiveness of the procedure
  • Patient experiences a reduction in abnormal uterine bleeding and may no longer need to rely on hormonal medications or other treatments for this condition

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about endometrial ablation include:

  1. What are the potential risks and side effects of the NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure?
  2. How long does the procedure take, and what is the recovery time?
  3. Will I still be able to have children after undergoing endometrial ablation?
  4. How long can I expect the results of the procedure to last?
  5. Are there any factors, such as age or medical conditions, that may affect the effectiveness of the procedure for me?
  6. What other treatment options are available for abnormal uterine bleeding, and how do they compare to endometrial ablation?
  7. Will I need to take any medications or follow any special instructions before or after the procedure?
  8. How often should I follow up with you after the procedure?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the procedure?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the hospital or facility where the procedure will be performed and the experience of the medical team performing it?

Reference

Authors: Xie H, Wan Y, Yi S, Zeng F, Sun X, Yang Y, Xiao S. Journal: Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022 Aug;158(2):301-307. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13983. Epub 2021 Nov 16. PMID: 34653258