title: The medium- and long-term outcome of endometrial ablative techniques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the medium-term (1-3 years) and long-term (3-5 years) outcome for women who underwent endometrial ablative techniques. To determine the uptake of these operations and the outcome results.
  
  
  METHODS
  The hospital records of all women who underwent either Uterine Balloon Therapy (UBT) or VESTA (Multiple Electrode Device) since our commencement of use of these procedures in the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin were reviewed. Medium-term assessment was by retrospective analysis of the patient records for the incidence of complications and the necessity of further medical and surgical treatment. Long-term outcome was assessed by completion of a questionnaire by all patients. Demography, complications, patient satisfaction, new symptomatology and the need for further treatment were assessed. Forty-four women who underwent UBT and 40 women who had VESTA ablation formed our study group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our main outcome measures were assessment of the amenorrhoea rate and patient satisfaction in the long-term. Medium-term follow-up revealed a 90% success rate. Long-term follow-up showed on overall treatment success of 80% and a patient satisfaction rate of 73%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both UBT and VESTA were associated with high rates of amenorrhoea and patient satisfaction in the long-term.
authors.affiliation: Rotunda Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland. smcooley@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cooley
authors.forename: Veni
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Yuddandi
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Geary
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McKenna
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome