Endometrial thermal balloon ablation has a beneficial long-term effect on menorrhagia

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2008;87(1):107-10. doi: 10.1080/00016340701797823.

Abstract

Background: More data on the long-term results of thermal balloon endometrial ablation are needed.

Methods: A retrospective observational study of 190 women who underwent endometrial thermal balloon ablation in the treatment of menorrhagia. The mean follow-up period was 6 years.

Results: Of the 172 women analysed after exclusion, 28 (16%) had a hysterectomy during follow-up. Women with regular menstrual periods had the best outcome. Some 152 (89%) women filled in a questionnaire concerning their satisfaction with the procedure, and 76% were satisfied. Amenorrhoea was reported by 14% and eumenorrhoea by 54% of the women who completed the questionnaire.

Conclusion: Endometrial thermal balloon ablation has good long-term efficacy and can be considered an applicable alternative in the treatment of menorrhagia, especially for women who have regular periods and are over 40 years of age.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Catheterization*
  • Endometrium / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia, Induced
  • Menorrhagia / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires