Endometrium is the lining of the uterus (womb). Endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure for the removal of the uterine endometrium which is causing prolonged bleeding in women. Some women are affected with severe and prolonged bleeding during their menstrual cycle which lasts for more than seven days leading to other health problems. Endometrial ablation is one such procedure which is less invasive than a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) and controls the symptoms and effects of heavy bleeding in women.
What is the principle of endometrial ablation procedure?
Endometrial Ablation is a surgical procedure which destroys or ablates the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) with the help of a specialized instruments which are passed to the uterus via the vagina. Endometrial ablation procedure does not require any surgical incisions and hence can be categorized as a minimally invasive procedure.
What are the indications of endometrial ablation procedure ?
Endometrial ablation is indicated when you are experiencing the below mentioned symptoms.
- Heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle
- Bleeding that lasts for more than a week
- Other health associated issues like anemia due to excessive blood loss
If you are having heavy bleeding problems during periods and you do not wish to get pregnant in the future and endometrial ablation could be the treatment for you.
When is endometrial ablation procedure contraindicated?
Endometrial Ablation is not advised when;
- There are structural abnormalities in the uterus
- Any infection in the female genitals
- Risk of Cancer of the uterus or cervix
- Presence of an Intra uterine device (IUD)
- Any history of uterine fibroids
- Any chances of pregnancy in the near future
How do I know if endometrial ablation procedure is indicated for me?
If you are experiencing heavy bleeding during periods which is lasting for more than a week it is advised to seek consultation with a specialist, preferably with a gynecologist to understand the treatment which will best suit your needs. The treating specialist will do a thorough examination of your symptoms, overall health with the use of adjuncts like ultrasonography, CT scan and MRI scan to identify the root cause of the problem. Endometrial ablation is indicated for you if you are suffering with prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding and you do not want to have children in the future.
Does endometrial ablation procedure require anesthesia?
Yes, the procedure requires administration of anesthesia at the start of the procedure. The specialist might administer Local, spinal or general anesthesia depending upon your age, overall health and requirement for the procedure.
What happens during an endometrial ablation procedure?
The treating specialist can be performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient is made to lie on her back on the gynecological examination chair. A specialized instrument called as the Hystersocope is passed through the vagina to visualize the uterus on a monitor. Sometimes medicines can be administered to dilate the cervix. There are several methods of doing endometrial ablation and it is advised to ask the treating doctor which method will be the best suited for you with detailed understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Endometrial Ablation can be done using the following techniques.
- Use of electric current: Electrosurgery is the most commonly used method of endometrial ablation which utilizes a specialized instrument fitted with a camera which is passed into the uterus. Followed by its appropriate positioning electric current of preset voltage is passed to remove the uterine wall or the Endometrium. Electrosurgery requires administration of general anesthesia prior to the start of the procedure.
- Use of fluids: This is also referred to as the hydrothermal method of ablation where heated chemical fluids are passed into the uterus which ablate or destroy the lining of the uterus.
- Use of radiofrequency: High intensity radio waves are used via an electrical mesh to ablate the endometrial lining.
- Use of cold temperature: This method of endometrial ablation is also termed as cryoablation as it utilizes very cold temperature to freeze the lining of the uterus.
- Use of balloon therapy: This procedure of endometrial ablation utilizes the use of a catheter into the uterus which is later expanded into a balloon in the uterus. This catheter is filled with heated fluid. When the catheter is blown into a balloon, the heated fluid comes in contact with the uterine wall and destroys it.
- Use of microwaves: A specialized instrument is used to send microwave energy to the uterine wall to ablate it.
There are a variety of procedures which are used for endometrial ablation and it is best advised to consult a specialist which type of endometrial ablation is suited for you.
What is the post-operative care after endometrial ablation procedure ?
Endometrial ablation is mainly done as an outpatient procedure in a hospital by a gynecologist. The entire length of the procedure is about 30-45 minutes. Post operatively the patient might be shifted to a recovery room for monitoring of any symptoms. The patient can experience vaginal discharge (watery discharge or sometimes even blood) for about one to two weeks after the procedure. Abdominal cramps and discomfort may also be experienced. The urge for frequent urination can be a post operative finding in some patients. If any of the symptoms persist for a longer period it is advised to consult with your treating doctor to avoid any serious complications.
What are the potential risks of endometrial ablation procedure ?
Endometrial ablation like any other surgical procedure can lead to complications like infection, bleeding or anesthesia related complications. Rarely damage to the uterus, the bowels and kidney could be observed.
Endometrial Ablation poses a threat to a future pregnancy and may lead to pregnancy related complications if the woman is able to conceive. Hence, endometrial ablation is not indicated in women who want to get pregnant in the future.
What is the outcome of a endometrial ablation procedure ?
Endometrial ablation is a fairly common procedure indicated in women who are affected with heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding which is even the cause of other serious health related problems. It is procedure indicated in women who do not want to get their uterus surgically removed and want the symptoms to be corrected. The results and outcome of an endometrial ablation take a few months to see visible reduction in the amount of bleeding during periods. If you are experiencing the above mentioned symptoms it is essential to seek consultation with a specialist preferably a gynecologist to understand if endometrial ablation is the choice of treatment for you.
How to find gynecologists for endometrial ablation procedure ?
Now you can find gynecologists for endometrial ablation procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost of endometrial ablation procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for endometrial ablation procedure. Find and choose a gynecologist for endometrial ablation procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
