title: Microwave and thermal balloon ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effectiveness of two second generation endometrial ablation techniques (microwave and thermal balloon endometrial ablation) with first generation techniques of endometrial ablation to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Library (issue 3, 2002), the National Research Register, MEDLINE (1966 to August 2002), Embase (1980 to August 2002) and Web of Science Proceedings (all years). We also searched reference lists and contacted experts and manufacturers in the field.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised controlled trials and controlled trials of microwave endometrial ablation and thermal balloon endometrial ablation versus transcervical resection and rollerball ablation, alone or in combination, to treat heavy menstrual bleeding were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion and extracted data. As there was considerable clinical and methodological heterogeneity among the studies, meta-analysis was not undertaken and results are presented descriptively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two randomised controlled trials of microwave endometrial ablation and eight trials (six randomised controlled trials) of thermal balloon endometrial ablation were included in the review. No significant differences were found between first and second generation techniques in terms of amenorrhoea, bleeding patterns, pre-menstrual symptoms, patient satisfaction or quality of life. Microwave endometrial ablation and thermal balloon endometrial ablation had significantly shorter operating and theatre times than first generation techniques. Adverse effects were few with all techniques, but there were fewer peri-operative adverse effects with second generation techniques.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microwave endometrial ablation and thermal balloon endometrial ablation are alternatives to first generation techniques for treating heavy menstrual bleeding. No head-to-head trials of microwave endometrial ablation and thermal balloon endometrial ablation have been undertaken and there is not yet enough evidence of differences in clinical effectiveness between these two techniques.
authors.affiliation: Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Garside
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Katrina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wyatt
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Round
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000628:therapy*; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic