Endometrial Ablation
When a patient has heavy menstrual bleeding, non-surgical treatment have failed or are not appropriate.
Overview
What is an endometrial ablation?
It involves a general anesthetic and a controlled cauterization of the endometrium. This is the area in which the uterus sheds during menstruation.
It may be a suitable alternative to hysterectomy, but has higher rates of recurrence (heavy bleeding returns) compared to hysterectomy.
It may not be a suitable choice when women with fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia or malignancy, or endometriosis.
When & why
When is an endometrial ablation performed?
When a patient has heavy menstrual bleeding, non-surgical treatments have failed or are not appropriate.
How
How is the procedure performed?
Location: at Wakefield Specialist Centre.
Anesthetic: the procedure is performed under general anesthetic, meaning a patient is asleep.
Duration of the operation: this depends on the extent of the disease. Mild to moderate cases may take 45 to 90 minutes. Severe cases may take 2-4 hours.
Recovery
What should I expect after endometrial ablation?
When you wake up: you will have an IV line in the arm or hand. Oral pain relief is usually all that is required.
Nights in hospital: most patients will go home the same day (day-case surgery).
Time off work: 1 week (back to work the following Monday).
When back to normal functioning: as soon as you feel able, with no pain or discomfort.
Follow up
What happens afterward?
This will occur 6-12 weeks after the initial operation.
If any issues occur when discharged home, patients can contact the Wakefield Specialist Centre directly.
Our providers will be on call to assist when necessary.
Further reading
Related symptoms
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Commonly caused by hormone therapies, including oral contraceptives. Persistent bleeding may be due to genital tract infections, polyps, or cervical cancer.
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High volume, long-lasting periods with flooding, clotting or anaemia. Causes can include fibroids, polyps, hyperplasia, PCOS, infection, or endometriosis.
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Causes include endometriosis, infection, instability of the lining of the womb, ovarian cysts, perimenopause, PCOS, polyps, and early pregnancy.
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Periods that last more than 7 days. Causes include fibroids, polyps, hyperplasia or cancer of the uterus, PCOS, genital tract infection, and endometriosis.