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Photodynamic endometrial ablation for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding: A preliminary report
Author(s) -
Degen Andrea F.,
Gabrecht Tanja,
Mosimann Laurent,
Fehr Mathias K.,
Hornung René,
Schwarz Viola A.,
Tadir Yona,
Steiner Rolf A.,
Wagnières Georges,
Wyss Pius
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.10244
Subject(s) - dysfunctional uterine bleeding , endometrial ablation , ablation , medicine , hysteroscopy , menstrual cycle , endometrium , urology , surgery , hormone
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.