Microwave endometrial ablation for menorrhagia: outcome at 2 years--experience of a district general hospital

Abstract

One hundred and twenty-three women underwent microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). The mean age at treatment was 40.2 years and the average treatment time was 2 minutes 50 seconds. All patients stayed as day cases, except for two who stayed overnight, one due to pain and the other due to urinary retention. The follow-up was carried out at 6 months, 1 and 2 years, respectively. The success rate was 80%, 76% and 70% at 6 months and 1-year and 2-year follow-up. The patient satisfaction rate was 80%, 75% and 68% at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, respectively. However, in women 45 years old and over the success rate was more than 90%, suggesting that MEA could be a preferred procedure for treatment of DUB in this age group compared to younger women, especially in those who do not benefit from the mirena intrauterine system or decline it. Approximately 70% of patients, who underwent hysterectomy due to the failure of treatment, had uterine/pelvic pathology in the form of adenomyosis, fibroid uterus or endometriosis; therefore prior to MEA, proper patient selection is vital. There were a few minor complications but no uterine perforation or emergency hysterectomies in the group studied.