Our Summary

This study looked at how effective a specific type of anaesthesia (fundal anaesthesia) is at reducing pain during a procedure called endometrial ablation, which is performed on women to treat a number of uterine conditions. The researchers compared the use of this anaesthesia in combination with another type (paracervical anaesthesia) to the use of paracervical anaesthesia on its own.

The study involved 96 women in the Netherlands who were undergoing the procedure between December 2015 and February 2018. They were divided into two groups: one received both types of anaesthesia, while the other received paracervical anaesthesia and a saline solution instead of the fundal anaesthesia.

The researchers found that the group who received both types of anaesthesia reported less pain during the procedure than the other group. Also, some women in the group that didn’t receive fundal anaesthesia had to be admitted to the hospital due to severe pain.

Therefore, the study concluded that using both types of anaesthesia is more effective at reducing pain during this procedure than using just one.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of endometrial ablation and why is anesthesia needed?
  2. What were the main findings of the study regarding the use of fundal anesthesia in endometrial ablation?
  3. How did the use of fundal and paracervical anesthesia together compare to the use of paracervical anesthesia alone in terms of pain reduction?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about endometrial ablation is to discuss with your healthcare provider the option of using both fundal anaesthesia and paracervical anaesthesia during the procedure to help reduce pain and discomfort. This combination may provide better pain relief and improve your overall experience during the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended endometrial ablation are those who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) that has not responded to other treatments such as medication or hormonal therapy. Endometrial ablation is also recommended for patients who have abnormal uterine bleeding, such as bleeding in between periods or bleeding after menopause. Additionally, patients with certain uterine conditions such as fibroids or polyps may also be recommended for endometrial ablation as a treatment option.

Timeline

Before the endometrial ablation procedure, a patient may experience symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, cramping, and other menstrual irregularities. They may have already tried other treatments such as medication or hormonal therapy before considering endometrial ablation.

During the procedure, the patient is typically given anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The procedure itself involves the removal or destruction of the endometrial lining of the uterus, using techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, or thermal balloon ablation. The goal is to reduce or stop menstrual bleeding and alleviate symptoms.

After the procedure, the patient may experience some cramping, spotting, or discharge for a few days to a few weeks. They may also have restrictions on certain activities such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a period of time. It may take a few weeks to a few months for the full effects of the procedure to be noticeable, as the endometrial lining needs time to heal and regenerate.

Overall, endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively quick recovery time, and most patients experience a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding and symptoms following the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with endometrial ablation?
  2. How long does the procedure typically take, and what is the recovery time?
  3. Will I need to take any special precautions or medications before or after the procedure?
  4. How effective is endometrial ablation at treating my specific condition?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  6. What are the chances of the condition returning after endometrial ablation?
  7. How many times can endometrial ablation be performed, if needed?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests after the procedure?
  9. What is the expected outcome in terms of symptom relief and improvement in quality of life?
  10. How experienced is the medical team performing the procedure, and what is their success rate with endometrial ablation?

Reference

Authors: Reinders IMA, Geomini PMAJ, Leemans JC, Dieleman JP, Timmermans A, de Lange ME, Bongers MY. Journal: Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2020 Nov;254:206-211. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.09.011. Epub 2020 Sep 9. PMID: 33011502