A double-blind randomized trial comparing the Cavaterm and the NovaSure endometrial ablation systems for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two second-generation endometrial ablation systems in women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) who want conservative surgical treatment.


METHODS
A double-blind, randomized trial.


METHODS
A minimal access gynecological surgery unit in northeast England.


METHODS
Fifty-seven women diagnosed with DUB were recruited, with 55 undergoing surgery and completing 12-month follow-up.


METHODS
Thirty-seven women underwent a NovaSure endometrial ablation, and 18 had a Cavaterm endometrial ablation. Clinical and quality of life data were collected 6 and 12 months after treatment.


METHODS
Amenorrhea, menstrual change, quality of life, sexual activity, patient satisfaction, and procedure acceptability.


RESULTS
Amenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, eumenorrhea, and menorrhagia rates for the Cavaterm and Novasure groups at 12 months were 2/18 (11%) vs. 16/37 (43%); 11/18 (61%) vs. 10/37 (27%); 5/18 (27%) vs. 6/37 (16%); and 0/18 vs. 5/37 (13%), respectively. At 12 months, 83% and 92% of women were either satisfied or very satisfied in the Cavaterm or Novasure groups, respectively. There were no major complications in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
Both the Cavaterm and the Novasure endometrial ablation systems are effective in reducing menstrual loss in women with DUB and achieve high rates of patient satisfaction. The Novasure system achieved a statistically significantly higher rate of amenorrhea in this study.
Abbott
Jason
J
James Cook University Hospital, Middleborough, United Kingdom. abbottj@sesahs.nsw.gov.au
Hawe
Jed
J
Hunter
David
D
Garry
Ray
R
D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life