Endometrial ablation by rollerball electrocoagulation compared to uterine balloon thermal ablation. Technical and safety aspects.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two methods of endometrial ablation, hysteroscopic rollerball electrocoagulation (RBE) and non-hysteroscopic uterine balloon thermal (UBT) ablation (Thermachoice), regarding intra- and post-operative technical complications and safety aspects.


METHODS
A randomised controlled study in a teaching hospital, 139 pre-menopausal women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding proved by a validated menstrual score list were enclosed. Endometrial ablation by a hysteroscopic or non-hysteroscopic method was performed.


RESULTS
Rollerball electrocoagulation carries a significantly higher risk of intra-operative complications compared to uterine balloon thermal ablation and is a significantly more time consuming procedure. Post-operative complication rates in both groups were low, but post-operative analgesics were prescribed significantly more in the uterine balloon group.


CONCLUSIONS
Endometrial ablation by uterine balloon thermal ablation (Thermachoice) is a safe and simple non-hysteroscopic procedure.
van Zon-Rabelink
Ingrid A A
IA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Spectrum Twente, P.O. Box 50 000, 7500 KA, Enschede, The Netherlands. robinzon@wxs.nl
Vleugels
Michel P H
MP
Merkus
Hans M W M
HM
de Graaf
Ruurd
R
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D017697:Premenopause; D013997:Time Factors