Hysterectomy after endometrial ablation-resection.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the reasons for performing a hysterectomy in patients who had previously undergone endometrial ablation-resection (EA-R), after a follow-up of at least 6 years.


METHODS
Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
Eighty-nine premenopausal women who underwent EA-R from February 1991 through February 2003.


METHODS
Endometrial ablation-resection by electrocoagulation using a rollerball of the uterine fundus and tubal ostia zone, and electroresection using a cutting loop of the rest of the uterine cavity.


RESULTS
During a minimum follow-up period of 6 years, hysterectomy was performed in 16 of 89 (17.97%) patients. In eight (9%) patients, hysterectomy was performed exclusively because of the failure of EA-R. The only factor that was related significantly to the increased possibility of requiring subsequent hysterectomy was the existence of myomas.


CONCLUSIONS
After long-term follow-up (more than 5 years), approximately one out of every five women who undergo EA-R will require a hysterectomy. The majority of these will be required during the first 2 years following EA-R. The existence of uterine myomas at the time of EA-R can be considered a risk factor for the subsequent need for hysterectomy.
Comino
Rafael
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Puerto Real, Carretera Nacional IV, km 665, 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain.
Torrejón
Rafael
R
D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain