Open randomised study of use of levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system as alternative to hysterectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether the levonorgestrel intrauterine system could provide a conservative alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of excessive uterine bleeding.


METHODS
Open randomised multicentre study with two parallel groups: a levonorgestrel intrauterine system group and a control group.


METHODS
Gynaecology departments of three hospitals in Finland.


METHODS
Fifty six women aged 33-49 years scheduled to undergo hysterectomy for treatment of excessive uterine bleeding.


METHODS
Women were randomised either to continue with their current medical treatment or to have a levonorgestrel intrauterine system inserted.


METHODS
Proportion of women cancelling their decision to undergo hysterectomy.


RESULTS
At 6 months, 64.3% (95% confidence interval 44.1 to 81.4%) of the women in the levonorgestrel intrauterine system group and 14.3% (4.0 to 32.7%) in the control group had cancelled their decision to undergo hysterectomy (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system is a good conservative alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of menorrhagia and should be considered before hysterectomy or other invasive treatments.
Lähteenmäki
P
P
Haukkamaa
M
M
Puolakka
J
J
Riikonen
U
U
Sainio
S
S
Suvisaari
J
J
Nilsson
C G
CG
D000328:Adult; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery
D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D016912:Levonorgestrel