Comparison of clinical outcomes with low-voltage (cut) versus high-voltage (coag) waveforms during hysteroscopic endometrial ablation with the rollerball: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare efficacy of rollerball endometrial ablation with low-voltage (cut) versus high-voltage (coag) waveforms.


METHODS
Pilot comparative clinical study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-1).


METHODS
University-affiliated teaching hospital.


METHODS
Fifty premenopausal women with menorrhagia.


METHODS
Women with menorrhagia were allocated randomly to thermal destruction of the endometrium by a 5-mm rollerball with unmodulated cutting current or modulated coagulating current. Complication rate, clinical outcomes, and need for reintervention were evaluated.


RESULTS
At 2 years of follow-up, the reintervention rate was 26.3% in the cutting waveform group versus 31.4% in the coagulating waveform group. This difference was not statistically significant. Hysterectomy was performed in 3 (14%) women in the cutting waveform group and 5 (20%) women in the coagulating waveform group. There were no complications in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
Both cutting and coagulating waveforms are equally effective for hysteroscopic endometrial ablation with the rollerball.
St Joseph's Health Care, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, London, Ontario, Canada. pticog@gmail.com
Paul T
PT
Chang
George A
GA
Vilos
Basim
B
Abu-Rafea
Jackie
J
Hollett-Caines
Zoreh Nikkhah
ZN
Abyaneh
Fawaz
F
Edris
D000328:Adult; D003972:Diathermy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects