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Transcervical endometrial cryoablation (ECA) for menorrhagia
Author(s) -
Pittrof R.,
Majid S.,
Murray A.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/0020-7292(94)90353-0
Subject(s) - medicine , uterine cavity , saline , cryoablation , cryosurgery , surgery , ultrasound , ablation , urology , uterus , radiology
Objective: To evaluate endometrial cryoablation (ECA) as a treatment for menorrhagia. Method: Prospective study of 67 women. ECA uses the Joule Thompson principle of expanding gases. The ECA probe has a channel to inject saline solution into the uterine cavity. The probe is introduced into the uterine cavity, which is distended with 5 ml saline solution. The device is activated for two freeze‐thaw cycles. The saline solution forms an ice mold of the uterine cavity which can be observed by ultrasound scan. Results: No surgical or long‐term complications were observed. Two‐thirds of patients followed up for > 3 months were completely satisfied. Conclusions: ECA is technically very easy, can be learned quickly, is free of complications and led to improvement of menstrual symptoms in 63% of patients followed up for 3–18 months. The device is virtually maintenance‐free and requires only a small initial investment, while running costs are negligible.