Endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation is a procedure to treat heavy mentrual flow. There are several techniques for this, all of which attempt to remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and not have it grow back. With little or no endometrium, there is little or no menstrual flow. One techiquie called Thermachoice uses a small catheter that is placed up inside the uterus. At the end of the catheter a baloon is inflated which fills the cavity of the uterus and into which heated water is circulated. The heat cauterizes the lining of the uterus causing it to shed and not regrow.
Another method called Novasure uses direct cautery with electrical energy. A metal mesh device that fans out into the cavity touching all of the inner surface is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. Both of these methods take only minutes to perform though there is additional time needed for set up and a little time after to recover. Local anesthesia is used in the cervix and there is treatment before the procedure with oral medications to help soften the cervix and reduce cramping. There is some cramping and discomfort during the procedure and the day of the procedure which can usually be easily managed with oral medication. We do recommend that you have someone with you to drive you home. Over 80% of women having these procedures are happy with their results which can range from complete cessation of menstrual flow to normalization of flow. Activities can return to normal the next day.
Additional minimally invasive procedures that are done in our office:
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