title: Endometrial ablation by rollerball electrocoagulation compared to uterine balloon thermal ablation. Technical and safety aspects.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Spectrum Twente, P.O. Box 50 000, 7500 KA, Enschede, The Netherlands. robinzon@wxs.nl
authors.forename: Ingrid A A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: van Zon-Rabelink
authors.forename: Michel P H
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Vleugels
authors.forename: Hans M W M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Merkus
authors.forename: Ruurd
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: de Graaf
mesh_terms: 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