Endometrial Ablation

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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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• Endometrial Ablation Overview
• Endometrial Ablation Precautions and Preparation
• Endometrial Ablation Procedure
• Endometrial Ablation Post-Procedure
• Endometrial Ablation Risks and Complications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Outlook
• More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor

Endometrial Ablation Overview

Endometrial ablation is the process of destroying the lining tissues of the uterus (known as the endometrium). Several different methods can be used for ablation; for example, laser beam, electricity, freezing, heating, or microwave energy. Endometrial ablation is performed (usually by an experienced OB/GYN physician) as a treatment for abnormal or heavy uterine bleeding when medical and/or hormonal treatments have not been effective or are not indicated. It is not an appropriate treatment for cancer of the uterus , since it only removes the superficial tissue layer, and cancers can penetrate more deeply into the uterine wall.

Endometrial Ablation Precautions and Preparation

Endometrial ablation is not an appropriate treatment for every woman. It cannot be performed when a woman is pregnant or when a woman desires to become pregnant at any time in the future. Endometrial ablation should not be performed when there is infection in the genital tract. Prior to the procedure, the woman must undergo a thorough physical examination including a sampling (biopsy) of the endometrium to confirm that cancer is not present.

Imaging studies and/or visual examination of the uterine cavity using a hysteroscope (a lighted viewing instrument that is inserted to visualize the inside of the uterus) are typically also carried out to exclude the presence of abnormalities, such as uterine polyps or benign (fibroid) tumors beneath the endometrium, that could be responsible for the heavy bleeding. These can often be simply removed without the need for destruction of the entire endometrium.

Because a thinner endometrium is easier to destroy, some women may need to take hormonal medications in the weeks prior to the procedure for optimal results. These medications serve to thin the endometrial lining and increase the likelihood of successful ablation.

If a woman has an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) in place, it must be removed prior to the procedure.