Transcervical endometrial cryoablation (ECA) for menorrhagia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate endometrial cryoablation (ECA) as a treatment for menorrhagia.


METHODS
Prospective study of 67 women. ECA uses the Joule Thompson principle of expanding gases. The ECA probe has a channel to inject saline solution into the uterine cavity. The probe is introduced into the uterine cavity, which is distended with 5 ml saline solution. The device is activated for two freeze-thaw cycles. The saline solution forms an ice mold of the uterine cavity which can be observed by ultrasound scan.


RESULTS
No surgical or long-term complications were observed. Two-thirds of patients followed up for > 3 months were completely satisfied.


CONCLUSIONS
ECA is technically very easy, can be learned quickly, is free of complications and led to improvement of menstrual symptoms in 63% of patients followed up for 3-18 months. The device is virtually maintenance-free and requires only a small initial investment, while running costs are negligible.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Birkenhead, UK.
R
R
Pittrof
S
S
Majid
A
A
Murray
D000328:Adult; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013997:Time Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure
D012965:Sodium Chloride