Our Summary
This research paper is about a 57-year-old woman who was going through menopause and had serious liver disease due to alcoholism, as well as heart problems and a bleeding uterus. Her uterus was bleeding so much that she was constantly anemic, even though she was getting blood transfusions. The doctors tried to stop the bleeding by blocking the blood vessels in her uterus, but this didn’t work because her anatomy made the procedure difficult. She wasn’t healthy enough to have her uterus surgically removed, so the doctors decided to try stopping the bleeding by injecting alcohol into her uterus. This worked, and the woman’s bleeding stopped. Her blood levels returned to normal and she was able to go home in stable condition. This paper suggests that injecting alcohol into the uterus could be a possible treatment for women who have heavy bleeding from the uterus and can’t have surgery.
FAQs
- What is the significance of using ethanol injection in the uterine cavity to stop bleeding?
- Why was the patient in the article not a good candidate for a hysterectomy?
- What is the difference between uterine artery embolization and intracavitary ethanol ablation?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about uterine ablation is to follow post-procedure care instructions carefully to ensure optimal recovery and to minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or concerns to your doctor promptly.
Suitable For
Patients who may be recommended for uterine ablation include those with refractory uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids causing heavy menstrual bleeding, and women who are poor surgical candidates for hysterectomy. Other potential candidates may include women with abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalances, endometrial hyperplasia, or adenomyosis. It is important for patients to discuss their specific symptoms and medical history with their healthcare provider to determine if uterine ablation is a suitable treatment option for them.
Timeline
- Patient experiences heavy vaginal bleeding due to metrorrhagia causing persistent anemia
- Patient undergoes two uterine artery embolizations with proximal coils
- Bleeding continues despite interventions
- Decision is made to attempt achievement of hemostasis via ethanol injection into the uterine cavity
- Bleeding ceases, hemoglobin and hematocrit stabilize post-procedure
- Patient is discharged home in stable condition
What to Ask Your Doctor
What is uterine ablation and how does it work to treat heavy menstrual bleeding?
Are there any risks or potential complications associated with uterine ablation?
How successful is uterine ablation in treating heavy menstrual bleeding, and what is the likelihood of the symptoms returning in the future?
Are there any specific criteria or conditions that make a patient a good candidate for uterine ablation?
How long is the recovery period after undergoing uterine ablation, and when can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms?
Are there any alternative treatment options for heavy menstrual bleeding that I should consider before deciding on uterine ablation?
Will uterine ablation affect my ability to conceive in the future, and what are the potential implications for fertility?
How often will I need to follow up with you after undergoing uterine ablation, and what signs or symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a complication?
Can you provide me with information on the success rates of uterine ablation in patients with similar conditions to mine?
Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications that I should make after undergoing uterine ablation to ensure the best possible outcome?
Reference
Authors: Morris TM, Ballard DH, D’Agostino HB. Journal: Clin Imaging. 2017 May-Jun;43:83-87. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2017.01.009. Epub 2017 Jan 30. PMID: 28242556