Long-term follow-up of endometrial ablation by modified loop resection.
OBJECTIVE
To describe endometrial ablation by rollerbar-loop-rollerbar (RLR) technique and determine the procedure's long-term results.


METHODS
Prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).


METHODS
Private gynecology practice.


METHODS
One hundred seventeen women with menorrhagia not related to malignancy who were not interested in future fertility.


METHODS
After performing rollerbar ablation through a short large Graves speculum, loop resection was carried out down to and throughout superficial myometrium. Rollerbar redesiccation of the cornua and supracervical areas of the uterus completed the procedure.


RESULTS
Patients were contacted by telephone or mail 4 to 5 years after RLR and asked to complete a questionnaire to assess their bleeding status, level of satisfaction with the procedure, and whether or not they had undergone hysterectomy. Of 109 patients responding, 60 (55%) were amenorrheic or menopausal with no bleeding, 21 (19%) had spotting, and 17 (16%) had undergone hysterectomy. Eighty-four (79%) were very satisfied.


CONCLUSIONS
RLR endometrial ablation was associated with a high rate of amenorrhea and substantial long-term patient satisfaction, but the rate of postablation hysterectomy remained significant.
Lefler
Hugh T
HT
1700 Mistletoe Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009215:Myometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome