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Radiofrequency endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding among women at high surgical risk
Author(s) -
Fischer Friederike,
Klapdor Rüdiger,
Gruessner Susanne,
Ziert Yvonne,
Hillemanns Peter,
Hertel Hermann
Publication year - 2015
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/j.ijgo.2015.05.028
Subject(s) - medicine , endometrial ablation , radiofrequency ablation , menstrual bleeding , ablation , obstetrics , hysterectomy , surgery
Objective To evaluate quality of life (QoL) after radiofrequency endometrial ablation (RFEA) for heavy menstrual bleeding among women at high surgical risk. Methods An observational study was undertaken among women aged at least 18 years who underwent RFEA at Hanover Medical School, Germany, between June 2010 and November 2012. A validated menorrhagia outcomes questionnaire (MOQ) was used to evaluate QoL and global outcomes among patients at high risk and low risk of complications after major surgery. The high‐risk group included women with anemia, coagulopathy, anticoagulation, thromboembolism, transplantation, malignancy, severe cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, and obesity. Results Overall, 235 women underwent RFEA during the study period. Median follow‐up was 13 months (range 3–30). Questionnaire responses were received from 202 (86.0%) women, including 132 (65.3%) high‐risk patients. The MOQ total outcome (mean difference 2.0; P = 0.166) and QoL/satisfaction (mean difference 0.8; P = 0.601) scores were similar in the two groups. Success (i.e. symptom relief and no further surgery) was recorded for 119 (90.2%) patients in the high‐risk group and 67 (95.7%) patients in the low‐risk group ( P = 0.155). Conclusion RFEA improved QoL and achieved a high rate of satisfaction for both high‐ and low‐risk patients. RFEA offers a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy and its associated perioperative risks, particularly among high‐risk patients.