Our Summary

Hypermenorrhea is a condition where a woman experiences excessively heavy menstrual bleeding, which can lead to severe anemia and interfere with daily life. A procedure called Microwave Endometrial Ablation (MEA) is a less invasive alternative to a full hysterectomy for treating this condition. MEA uses microwave energy to remove the lining of the uterus, which can often reduce or stop heavy bleeding.

This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of combining MEA with a procedure called Transcervical Resection (TCR), which involves removing uterine growths that can cause heavy bleeding.

The study included 34 women, two of whom were excluded after being diagnosed with uterine cancer. The remaining 32 women, aged between 36 and 52 years, reported significantly reduced menstrual bleeding three and six months after the combined procedure. Some women stopped having periods altogether, but none experienced a return of heavy bleeding.

In conclusion, the study found that combining MEA and TCR can be a safe and effective treatment for women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine growths.

FAQs

  1. What is Microwave Endometrial Ablation (MEA) and how does it help in treating Hypermenorrhea?
  2. What is the Transcervical Resection (TCR) procedure and why is it combined with MEA?
  3. What were the results of the study combining MEA and TCR for treating heavy menstrual bleeding?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about endometrial ablation is to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as any alternative treatments that may be available. It is important for patients to have a clear understanding of what to expect before undergoing any medical procedure. Additionally, patients should follow their doctor’s post-procedure instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for endometrial ablation include those who have heavy menstrual bleeding (hypermenorrhea) that does not respond to other treatments such as medication or hormonal therapy. Endometrial ablation may also be recommended for patients who wish to avoid a hysterectomy or who are not candidates for surgery due to medical conditions. Additionally, patients who have uterine growths or polyps that are causing heavy bleeding may benefit from endometrial ablation. It is important for patients to discuss their individual medical history and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if endometrial ablation is the right choice for them.

Timeline

Timeline:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of hypermenorrhea, such as excessively heavy menstrual bleeding and anemia.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider who recommends Microwave Endometrial Ablation (MEA) and Transcervical Resection (TCR) as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes the combined MEA and TCR procedure.
  4. Three months post-procedure, patient reports significantly reduced menstrual bleeding.
  5. Six months post-procedure, patient continues to experience reduced or stopped periods.
  6. Patient does not experience a return of heavy bleeding and finds relief from symptoms of hypermenorrhea.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about endometrial ablation, specifically MEA combined with TCR, may include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the combined MEA and TCR procedure?
  2. How long is the recovery time after the procedure, and what can I expect in terms of post-procedure pain and discomfort?
  3. Will I still be able to have children after undergoing this procedure?
  4. How long can I expect the results of the procedure to last, and is there a possibility of the heavy bleeding returning in the future?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition, and how do they compare to the combined MEA and TCR procedure in terms of effectiveness and safety?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional follow-up procedures or treatments after the initial procedure?
  7. How experienced are you in performing the combined MEA and TCR procedure, and what is your success rate with this treatment approach?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications that I should consider in conjunction with the procedure to help manage my symptoms effectively?
  9. How soon after the procedure can I expect to see an improvement in my symptoms, and what should I do if I experience any concerning side effects or complications?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources to help me better understand the procedure and its potential impact on my condition?

Reference

Authors: Kakinuma T, Kakinuma K, Shimizu A, Kaneko A, Kagimoto M, Okusa T, Suizu E, Saito K, Matsuda Y, Yanagida K, Takeshima N, Ohwada M. Journal: World J Clin Cases. 2022 Dec 26;10(36):13200-13207. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i36.13200. PMID: 36683642