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| Physicians treating - endometrial ablation |
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| Endometrial ablation ... |
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Ablation destroys a thin layer of the lining of the uterus reducing or stopping heavy uterine bleeding.
The treatment is an outpatient surgery procedure, which takes less than an hour.. Recovery can require
a few days up to 2 weeks. Most women are not able to get pregnant after ablation.
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Endometrial ablation is performed during a procedure called operative hysteroscopy. You’ll be given anesthesia so you stay comfortable and relaxed and feel no pain during surgery. A narrow viewing tube is inserted through the vagina and the cervix into the uterus. A tiny camera attached to the viewing tube allowing the uterine cavity to be shown on a TV monitor during surgery. Your uterus is filled with a harmless liquid to make the procedure easier, then the lining of the uterus is burned away or vaporized, using a heat generating tool inserted through the viewing tube.
The procedure can be done by one of a number of types of energy to burn away the uterine lining.
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Laser beam (laser thermal ablation) burns the lining using a high-intensity light beam |
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Hydrothermal - heated fluid is pumped into the uterus and destroys the endometrial lining with high temperature |
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Balloon therapy - a balloon at the end of a catheter is inserted into the uterus and filled with fluid, which is then heated to the point that the endometrial tissues are eroded away |
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Electrical or electrocautery - electric current travels through a wire loop or rollerball that is applied to the endometrial lining to cauterize the tissue |
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Electrode ablation - a triangular mesh electrode is expanded to fill the uterine cavity. A gentle suction brings the tissue into contact with the electrode which delivers electrical current and destroys the endometrial lining. |
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Cryoablation (freezing) - a probe uses extremely low temperatures to freeze and destroy the endometrial tissues |
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Microwave ablation - microwave energy is delivered through a slender probe that has been inserted into the uterus and destroys the endometrial lining |
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| Risks --- complications of endometrial ablation are uncommon but can be quite severe. They can include |
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Accidental puncture (perforation) of the uterus |
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Burns (thermal injury) to the uterus or the surface of the bowel |
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Buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) |
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Sudden blockage of arterial blood flow within the lung (pulmonary embolism) |
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Tearing of the opening of the uterus (cervical laceration). |
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| Some minor side effects that are common after the procedure include: |
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Cramping |
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Small amount of thin, watery discharge |
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Frequent urination for 24 hours |
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Nausea |
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