Microwave endometrial ablation: development, clinical trials and outcomes at three years.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the introduction of microwave endometrial ablation to clinical practice, and to report the outcomes three years after endometrial ablation.


METHODS
A clinical trial using prototype microwave endometrial ablation equipment.


METHODS
District general hospital.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.
Hodgson
D A
DA
Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK.
Feldberg
I B
IB
Sharp
N
N
Cronin
N
N
Evans
M
M
Hirschowitz
L
L
D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000601:surgery; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000601:surgery*; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000601:surgery*