How successful is endometrial ablation at stopping uterine bleeding problems?
There are different techniques for performing endometrial ablation. Originally physicians used a cautery “roller ball” technique or a Yag laser to burn the lining of the endometrium so it would not grow and slough each month. Recently a thermal balloon technique is the most popular because it seems to have less complications. In this technique a balloon in introduced into the endometrial cavity after hysteroscopy is performed and water is then injected into the balloon. The water is then heated and the lining of the endometrium is “scalded” so it does not keep growing under hormonal control. The various techniques used for endometrial ablation may have slightly different outcomes but in general about 1/3 to 1/2 of women are completely without any bleeding afterwards (amenorrheic) while about 15-20% still have bleeding problems severe enough to warrant further surgery . The overall satisfaction rate of endometrial ablation is about 65%.
