Microwave endometrial ablation: development, clinical trials and outcomes at three years.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the introduction of microwave endometrial ablation to clinical practice, and to report the outcomes three years after endometrial ablation.

DESIGN:

A clinical trial using prototype microwave endometrial ablation equipment.

SETTING:

District general hospital.

POPULATION:

Forty-three women with completed families and with failed medical management for menorrhagia were treated with microwave endometrial ablation between October 1994 and April 1995.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

A statement of perceived menstrual loss and satisfaction supported by a menstrual symptom questionnaire score. Dysmenorrhoea was graded as a measure of described severity. Treatment time.

RESULTS:

Forty-three women had a total of 46 treatments. Mean treatment time: n = 43, was 141 seconds (50-310). Amenorrhoea: n = 16; 37.2%. Very light periods/discharge: n = 11; 25.6%. Improved periods and woman satisfied: n = 9; 20.9%. Improved periods and woman not satisfied: n = 1; 2.3%. Overall satisfaction at three years is 83.7%. Moderate (55.8%) or severe (27.9%) dysmenorrhoea pre-operatively had improved to 11.6% and 6.8% respectively at three years. Three re-treatments and four hysterectomies will be discussed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Microwave endometrial ablation is a new treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding using the application of microwave energy to the endometrium. This results in a rapid but restricted depth of intrauterine heating avoiding hysteroscopic fluid, operative haemorrhage and earthing risks. The technique is simple to learn and perform. Women report a high level of satisfaction three years after microwave endometrial ablation.

• Authors: D A Hodgson, I B Feldberg, N Sharp, N Cronin, M Evans, L Hirschowitz
• Journal: British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology (Br J Obstet Gynaecol) Vol. 106 Issue 7 Pg. 684-94 (Jul 1999) ISSN: 0306-5456 [Print] England
• PMID: 10428525 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Catheter Ablation (instrumentation)
• Cohort Studies
• Dysmenorrhea (surgery)
• Endometrium (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Menorrhagia (surgery)
• Microwaves (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Treatment Outcome
• Uterine Diseases (surgery)