Contents:
- Medical Video: Global Endometrial Ablation for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding-Mayo Clinic
- What is endometrial ablation?
- Can all women have endometrial ablation?
- What is the procedure for endometrial ablation?
- Side effects of endometrial ablation
- Is there a complication?
Medical Video: Global Endometrial Ablation for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding-Mayo Clinic
Heavy menstruation with prolonged bleeding, of course makes you uncomfortable doing daily activities. Some things you can do to overcome this problem are by taking certain medications from your doctor or using spiral KB. However, if the drug is not effective, doctors will usually recommend endometrial ablation.
Actually, what is endometrial ablation? Are there side effects if you take this medical action?
What is endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is the removal of tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) with the aim of reducing or stopping the flow of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Endometrial ablation is one type of effective treatment to stop uterine bleeding that is abnormal, but not caused by cancer. While if uterine bleeding occurs due to the presence of cancer cells, this action is not enough to stop and overcome it.
Usually, this treatment will be done when bleeding still occurs even after taking medication from a doctor or installing a spiral KB.
A woman is said to experience abnormal uterine bleeding if she has:
- very heavy menstrual period
- menstrual period that lasts more than one week
- bleeding between menstrual periods
- bleeding that causes anemia
- bleeding which causes other health problems
In some women, menstrual blood flow can stop completely. While others, this action only reduces the amount of bleeding.
Can all women have endometrial ablation?
Even so, not all women who experience severe and prolonged menstruation are recommended to endometrial ablation.
This procedure is not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Because endometrial ablation can make pregnancy more difficult.
Endometrial ablation is not recommended for women who experience:
- has passed menopause
- infection of the vagina or cervix
- uterine or cervical cancer
- Caesarean scar
- use an IUD
- uterine disorders
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- weak uterine wall
What is the procedure for endometrial ablation?
Before the procedure is done, the doctor will take a sample of the uterine lining to test, is there a possibility that the cancer cells will grow.
The doctor will also perform a visual examination of the uterus, which is by ultrasound, before the procedure. This is to see whether there is a polyp or benign tumor in the uterus that causes prolonged menstruation.
In addition, the doctor will also ensure that you are not pregnant and do not use spiral KB.
Next, the doctor will insert a thin device through the cervix into the uterus. The next step will depend on the type of ablation to be performed.
The following are common types of ablation, among others.
Freezing (cryoablation)
A special device whose temperature is set very cold is inserted into the uterus. From the very cold temperature, it will make the uterine lining or endometrium decay.
Hot balloon therapy
Special tools that have been added to the balloon at the end are inserted into the uterus. Then, there is a hot liquid that fills the balloon, making the balloon expand and break down the uterine lining. This procedure usually lasts from 2-12 minutes.
Hydrothermal
The doctor will gently pump fluid into the uterus, then heat it. After 10 minutes, this will destroy the uterine lining.
Radio Wave
The doctor will insert an electric net into your uterus and dilate it. Then the energy and heat sent by strong radio waves damage the layer, then the doctor will remove it by suctioning in one to two minutes.
Microwave
The special stick inserted uses microwave energy to layer your uterus to destroy the lining of your uterus. This procedure takes 3-5 minutes.
Electricity
This procedure requires general anesthesia, using a device called a resectoscope and a device that is heated to see and remove uterine tissue. However, this procedure is not commonly used like the others.
Side effects of endometrial ablation
Possible side effects that might occur include:
- foul-smelling leucorrhoea
- fever
- chills
- cramps or abdominal pain
- heavy bleeding and continuous, more than 2 days after the procedure
- difficulty urinating
If you experience these symptoms undergoing endometrial ablation procedures, immediately seek medical help reduces the risk of infection and other complications.
Is there a complication?
Endometrial ablation is not a high-risk procedure, but there is still a small possibility of complications. Here are some possible complications that can occur.
- Uterine perforation
- Damage to the cervix, vagina, vulva or intestine due to the application of heat or cold during the procedure
- Infection, bleeding, and burns to the uterus or intestine.
- In very rare cases, the fluid used to expand the uterus during the procedure can be absorbed into the bloodstream, which causes fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
