Photodynamic endometrial ablation for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding: A preliminary report

Background and Objectives To evaluate feasibility and functional effects of photodynamic endometrial ablation (PEA) in patients. Study Design/Patients and Methods A total of 15 PEAs has been performed in 11 patients using topically applied 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) solutions and a balloon‐light diffuser (160 J/cm 2 , 635 nm). Uterine bleeding intensity has been determined on a daily basis 3 months prior to and up to 6 months after endometrial ablation using an analogous scale scoring from 1 (spotting) to 6 U (severe bleeding). Statistical analysis by unpaired Student's t ‐test. Results The mean number of bleeding units per cycle (n = 44) was 35.7 prior to PEA. The decrease in bleeding units was significant for the months 1–3 (24.4 U per cycle; P  = 0.03), but not for the months 4–6 (25.9 U; P  = 0.11) following PEA. Conclusions PEA is feasible and provides a significant short‐term reduction of uterine bleeding. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:1–4, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.