Efficacy and satisfaction rate comparing endometrial ablation by rollerball electrocoagulation to uterine balloon thermal ablation in a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two methods of endometrial ablation, hysteroscopic rollerball electrocoagulation (RBE) and non-hysteroscopic uterine balloon thermal ablation (Thermachoice trade mark ), regarding efficacy for reducing dysfunctional uterine bleeding and patients satisfaction rate.


METHODS
A randomised controlled study was performed in a teaching hospital at the department of gynaecology. One hundred and thirty-seven premenopausal women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding proved by validated menstrual score list were included. Endometrial ablation by a hysteroscopic or non-hysteroscopic method was performed by one gynaecologist.


RESULTS
Reduction of menstrual blood loss was significantly more successful at 24 months for thermal ablation with uterine balloon. Success rate measured by menstrual score < 185 for rollerball and thermal balloon ablation are equivalent at 12 and 24 months post-operatively. Satisfaction of the patients for both methods at 24 months post-operatively is not significantly different (respective 75% for rollerball and 80% for uterine balloon).


CONCLUSIONS
Endometrial ablation by uterine balloon thermal ablation (Thermachoice trade mark ) is equally effective as hysteroscopic RBE of the endometrium.
Van Zon-Rabelink
Ingrid A A
IA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Spectrum Twente, 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; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*