An update on second-generation devices for endometrial ablation.
Menorrhagia is a very common problem. Hysterectomy has been the traditional surgical treatment of choice guaranteeing amenorrhoea. It is 100% effective but is associated with surgical complications, and is more costly in terms of economic impact and recovery time. Minimally invasive procedures to ablate the endometrium reduce complications and recovery time. The newer second-generation endometrial ablation devices negate the need for surgery under direct hysteroscopic vision, thus ensuring that the treatments are not operator dependent. However, they heavily rely on the device themselves to ensure safety and efficacy. There are a variety of these devices currently available on the market. The authors will review these devices and provide the evidence for their suitability in various settings.
Sinha
Anju
A
Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital NHS Trust, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK. anjusinha@btinternet.com
Clark
Justin T
JT
Gupta
Janesh
J
D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D016896:Treatment Outcome