Uterine balloon therapy for menorrhagia: a feasibility study of its use in the community setting.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether uterine balloon therapy (UBT) for menorrhagia can be performed safely in the community setting, obviating the need for hospital admission or general anaesthesia.


METHODS
Prospective case studies of 20 women undergoing Thermachoice endometrial ablation for menorrhagia.


METHODS
Glasgow Centre for Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust, Glasgow, UK.


METHODS
Twenty women with menorrhagia unresponsive to medical therapy.


METHODS
Pain levels experienced by women during the procedure, measured by visual analogue scores and analgesia requirements postoperatively.


RESULTS
Pain scores were in the range 0.1-6.6 (median 1.1) for outpatient hysteroscopy, compared to 0.1-9.8 (median 4.0) for uterine balloon therapy. No procedure was abandoned due to pain.


CONCLUSIONS
UBT performed under local anaesthetic is tolerated well by patients. It is an effective treatment for menorrhagia, which is safe and easy to perform in the community setting.
McAllister
K F
KF
The Sandyford Initiative, 6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB, UK. Kay.McAllister@glacomen.scot.nhs.uk
Bigrigg
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D003151:Community Health Centers; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012606:Scotland; D014599:Uterus