A retrospective cohort study comparing microwave endometrial ablation with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding.
OBJECTIVE
To compare microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (Mirena) in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding.


METHODS
A retrospective cohort study


METHODS
Thirty-nine women were treated with MEA and 23 women with Mirena, in the South East Regional Health Service of South Australia during 1998 to 2001; the mean duration of follow-up was 14.6 months.


METHODS
Primary measures included acceptability of the treatment process, effectiveness of the treatment, and satisfaction with outcomes. Secondary measures included side effects, complications and quality of life (using the SF-36).


RESULTS
Acceptability of the treatment process and satisfaction with outcomes was very high for both procedures. Each treatment led to a statistically significant reduction in menstrual bleeding (p < 0.0001) and dysmenorrhoea scores (p < 0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
There were no statistical differences between the two treatments for any of the primary or secondary outcome measures assessed. The treatments seem equally effective in the management of heavy menstrual loss.
Henshaw
Richard
R
South East Regional Health Service, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Coyle
Christy
C
Low
Stephanie
S
Barry
Christopher
C
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004717:Endometrium / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011336:Probability; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013021:South Australia; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D016912:Levonorgestrel