Photodynamic endometrial ablation for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate feasibility and functional effects of photodynamic endometrial ablation (PEA) in patients.


METHODS
A total of 15 PEAs has been performed in 11 patients using topically applied 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) solutions and a balloon-light diffuser (160 J/cm(2), 635 nm). Uterine bleeding intensity has been determined on a daily basis 3 months prior to and up to 6 months after endometrial ablation using an analogous scale scoring from 1 (spotting) to 6 U (severe bleeding). Statistical analysis by unpaired Student's t-test.


RESULTS
The mean number of bleeding units per cycle (n = 44) was 35.7 prior to PEA. The decrease in bleeding units was significant for the months 1-3 (24.4 U per cycle; P = 0.03), but not for the months 4-6 (25.9 U; P = 0.11) following PEA.


CONCLUSIONS
PEA is feasible and provides a significant short-term reduction of uterine bleeding.
Degen
Andrea F
AF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
Gabrecht
Tanja
T
Mosimann
Laurent
L
Fehr
Mathias K
MK
Hornung
René
R
Schwarz
Viola A
VA
Tadir
Yona
Y
Steiner
Rolf A
RA
Wagnières
Georges
G
Wyss
Pius
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid