Open AccessEndometrial thermal balloon ablation has a beneficial long‐term effect on menorrhagia
Author(s) -
AHONKALLIO SARI,
MARTIKAINEN HANNU,
SANTALA MARKKU
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1080/00016340701797823
Subject(s) - medicine , endometrial ablation , balloon , hysterectomy , ablation , retrospective cohort study , observational study , amenorrhea , surgery , patient satisfaction , gynecology , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Background . More data on the long‐term results of thermal balloon endometrial ablation are needed. Methods . A retrospective observational study of 190 women who underwent endometrial thermal balloon ablation in the treatment of menorrhagia. The mean follow‐up period was 6 years. Results . Of the 172 women analysed after exclusion, 28 (16%) had a hysterectomy during follow‐up. Women with regular menstrual periods had the best outcome. Some 152 (89%) women filled in a questionnaire concerning their satisfaction with the procedure, and 76% were satisfied. Amenorrhoea was reported by 14% and eumenorrhoea by 54% of the women who completed the questionnaire. Conclusion . Endometrial thermal balloon ablation has good long‐term efficacy and can be considered an applicable alternative in the treatment of menorrhagia, especially for women who have regular periods and are over 40 years of age.