Endometrial Ablation

During an endometrial ablation procedure, the lining of the uterus is permanently removed by one of several means to treat heavy periods or other abnormal bleeding caused by fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, or a thickening of the uterine tissue. After a conventional endometrial ablation, a woman generally is able to return to work after three days.

Your doctor may recommend one of a new generation of endometrial
ablation procedures.

Thermal ablation

Thermal ablation, a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure that uses heat to treat the endometrium, is for women who are not yet menopausal, do not want more children, and have a normal Pap smear. This no-incision outpatient procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and requires only local anesthesia.

During the procedure, the doctor passes a thin catheter through the vagina and cervix. This catheter is used to treat the endometrial lining of the uterus with heat. The uterus will later shed the endometrium. Following the procedure, most women resume normal activity the next day or two.

Recommended references:

The New Harvard Guide to Women’s Health, by Karen J. Carlson, M.D., Stephanie A. Eisenstat, M.D., and Terra Ziporyn, Ph.D. Harvard University Press (2004).

A Woman’s Guide to Menopause & Perimenopause, by Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., and Carol V. Wright, Ph.D. Yale University Press (2005).

www.cytyc.com (NovaSure System)