Endometrial Ablation

What is Endometrial Ablation?

It is a quick, safe, and simple procedure to lighten or stop your periods, without the side effects of hormones or the risks of hysterectomy. Endometrial ablation removes the endometrium, the superficial tissue layer or lining of the uterus. The endometrium can be destroyed by several ablation techniques such as diathermy, radiofrequency or heating with a balloon.

A hysteroscopy is performed first to assess the size and shape of the cavity. The uterine lining is exposed to heat which turns the lining into scar tissue, thus limiting or ending the bleeding. This is done under general anaesthetic and takes 15-20 minutes.

Benefits of Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is:

minimally invasive
it has high success rates
effective immediately
fewer complications than hysterectomy
incision-free
virtually pain-free
no scarring

An endometrial ablation does not affect hormone production, however, it destroys the lining and is only suited to women who do not wish to have children after the procedure.

It is not a contraceptive and women who have an ablation have to use effective contraception.

Recovery After Endometrial Ablation

You will go home the same day once you have recovered from the general anaesthetic.

You may experience minor cramps for up to 48 hours.

There can be mild vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure which is not a cause for concern. Also, you may experience mild period-pain-like cramps.

You may notice brown vaginal loss or light bleeding for up to 3 weeks.

Heat-packs, paracetamol and ibuprofen can all be helpful to relieve the short-term discomfort after the procedure.

You are advised to avoid intercourse and swimming for 3 weeks after the procedure.

50% of women in the long term do not have any further periods. Overall, 85% of women find their bleeding is lighter.

What are the Risks of Endometrial Ablation?

Endometrial Ablation is generally safe. Occasionally, an injury may occur to the uterus or cervix during the procedure (uterine perforation), which does not usually require any treatment and will heal by itself. Rarely, there can be injury beyond the perforation to internal organs such as the bladder, bowel or blood vessels. This is an extremely rare event.

These injuries may require a further operation through the abdomen to repair (either at the time of operation or later down the track).

Infection, bleeding and reactions to anaesthesia are some of the adverse effects observed in few individuals.

You should seek immediate medical attention by going to the emergency department of your closest hospital or by contacting me if you experience any of the below-mentioned conditions: