Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a gynecological procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus (endometrium) in order to treat excessive menstrual bleeding. Typically, endometrial ablation is only considered after non-surgical treatments like medication or an intrauterine device (IUD) have failed to resolve the bleeding or been deemed inappropriate for the patient.

There are different methods of achieving endometrial ablation, and different techniques can determine the level of anesthesia and facility needed for the procedure:

• Electrosurgery: A heated tool is used to carve away endometrium.

• Cryosurgery: Endometrial tissue is frozen away.

• Hot Fluid: Endometrial tissue is destroyed by a free-flowing, heated saline solution.

• Heated Balloon: Hot fluid is pumped into a balloon that burns away endometrial tissue.

• Microwave: A narrow tool burns endometrium away by emitting microwaves.

• Radiofrequency: A device emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves destroys endometrial tissue.

Endometrial ablation can be performed in a doctor’s office or hospital setting, depending on the techniques being used. If your procedure requires general anesthesia, it is more likely to take place in the hospital.

Before the procedure, you might be tested for pregnancy or cancer, as ablation cannot be performed if either condition is present, of if you have a pelvic infection. Prior to ablation, the cervix will need to be dilated to allow access to the uterus. Reduced menstrual bleeding should result within a few months of the ablation.