Thermal endometrial ablation for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding a simplified method

ABSTRACT

In this study a Foley's catheter, inserted into the uterine cavity then its balloon filled with hot water at boiling temperature, was used to inflict thermal destruction of the endometrium in patients with perimenopausal DUB not responding to medical treatment. Twenty patients underwent this procedure performed under general anesthesia just after a formal D and C for endometrial sampling and removal of thick endometrium. These patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. None of these patients had any procedure related complications. 90% of patients had a favorable outcome while only 2 of them needed hysterectomy for treatment failure. The study showed that thermal endometrial ablation using hot water in a Foley's catheter balloon is a simple, inexpensive and effective method for treating most patients with perimenopausal DUB carrying a very minimal operative risk