Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgical procedure designed to alleviate abnormal uterine bleeding in patients who have met their desired parity. Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as heavy, irregular, or intermenstrual bleeding. Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common gynecologic complaint affecting 10% to 30% of reproductive-age women. The ablation procedure is designed to destroy the functional layer of the endometrium to prevent its regrowth and decrease the amount of blood loss during menstruation. Several first- and second-generation ablation methods have been developed with differing benefits and disadvantages. Hysterectomy is the only other surgical option available for women who experience heavy abnormal uterine bleeding. However, endometrial ablation is an alternative therapeutic intervention with the benefits of decreased complication rates, pain, recovery, operating time, and uterine preservation compared to hysterectomy.