Microwave endometrial ablation for an enlarged uterus.
BACKGROUND
An enlarged uterus of more than 12 cm in cavum length with a distorted cavity is a contra-indication for conventional ablative techniques. It is difficult to perform satisfactory endometrial ablation in a large uterus with submucosal myomas using straight instruments. A new curved microwave applicator 4 mm in diameter was developed for microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) for uteri with an enlarged distorted uterine cavity.


METHODS
For three patients of menorrhagia due to submucosal myomas with cavum lengths 13 to 15 cm, MEA was performed using the curved applicator.


RESULTS
Menorrhagia was improved in each case. No complications were encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
A large number of hysterectomies could be avoided using the new curved microwave applicator.
Kanaoka
Yasushi
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 4-3, Asahimachi-1, 545-8585 Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan. kanaokamd@med.osaka-cu.ac.jp
Hirai
Kouzo
K
Ishiko
Osamu
O
D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*