Bipolar radio frequency endometrial ablation compared with balloon endometrial ablation in dysfunctional uterine bleeding: impact on patients' health-related quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after bipolar radio frequency ablation and thermal balloon ablation in women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Teaching hospital.


METHODS
Women suffering from dysfunctional uterine bleeding.


METHODS
Bipolar radio frequency ablation and thermal balloon ablation.


METHODS
Patients were asked to complete HRQoL questionnaires at baseline, and at 2 days, 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. The questionnaires contained the medical outcomes study Short-Form 36 (SF-36), the Self-rating Depression Scale, the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a structured clinical history questionnaire.


RESULTS
Data on HRQoL were available on at least two different time points in 115 of 126 randomized patients. HRQoL improved significantly over time in both groups, except for the domain of general health in the SF-36. None of the dimensions showed a significant difference between both groups, neither was there a significant interaction between time and treatment effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Both methods significantly improved HRQoL in women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding. However, despite better amenorrhea and satisfaction rates after bipolar radio frequency ablation, there was no difference in HRQoL between the two groups.
Bongers
Marlies Y
MY
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. my.bongers@iae.nl
Bourdrez
Petra
P
Heintz
A Peter M
AP
Brölmann
Hans A M
HA
Mol
Ben W J
BW
D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome