Thermal balloon endometrial ablation as a safe alternative to hysterectomy

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thermal balloon ablation therapy as an alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of menorrhagia. A prospective observational study. Urogynaecology unit - Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Ahmad Maher Teaching Hospital. 89 Patients were enrolled in the study. 89 procedures of thermal balloon endometrial ablation were performed from March 2003 till 31 August 2006 using the same protocol. Exclusion criteria includes structural uterine abnormalities, uterine cavity more than 12 cm and premalignant conditions. General anaesthesia was used for all patients. The procedure involves controlled heating of fluid in an intrauterine specifically designed balloon for thermal ablation of the uterine cavity. No intra-operative complications occurred, and post-operative complications were minimal. Success rate of the procedure was 93% which means reduction to eumenorrhea or less. Thermal balloon endometrial ablation is a safe as well as effective treatment for menorrhagia and could replace hysterectomy in properly selected women