What Is An Ablation Procedure For Periods

What Happens In The Operating Room

After the preoperative evaluation, the team will guide you to the operating room. You will move from the mobile bed to the operating table. Once you are positioned comfortably and safely, the anesthesiologist will give you medication through your IV.

The OR nursing team will cover your body with sterile drapes after cleaning the surgical site for sterility. The team then performs a âsurgical time-out.â A surgical safety checklist is read out loud requiring all surgical team members to be present and attentive.

The surgeon then performs the surgical procedure.

Once the procedure is complete. A post-procedure review is done together as a surgical team. All instruments and equipment are counted and verified. Once complete, the anesthesiologist will begin to assist the patient in waking up for transfer to the recovery room.

What To Know Before Undergoing Endometrial Ablation

In most cases, endometrial ablation will be performed as an outpatient procedure. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about where and how they perform these procedures and the type of anesthesia that is typically used. Your health care provider will advise you about whether you need someone to drive you home afterwards.

During the procedure, your health care provider may need to dilate your cervix to allow insertion of the handpiece for the endometrial ablation device into the uterus. Once the handpiece is inserted into the uterus, energy will be delivered for a few minutes to destroy the uterine lining. After the energy delivery is completed, the handpiece is removed.

After the procedure, you will be evaluated for your readiness to go home. You should also receive instructions about when to follow up with your health care provider.

Is This A Risky Procedure

It is unlikely that you will get hurt during an endometrial ablation procedure. However, there are a few serious injuries that could happen during the procedure. The devices used for endometrial ablation could puncture or make a hole in your uterus, which could lead to serious bleeding or problems with other organs near the uterus, such as injury to your bowel, bladder, or blood vessels. The fluids used for some of these technologies could leak and cause burns. The fluid used for electrosurgery can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which is when there is too much or too little of the important salts in your body.

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Can I Still Become Pregnant After The Novasure Procedure

Because NovaSure treats the lining of the uterus, your chances of getting pregnant after the procedure will be reduced. However, it is still possible to get pregnant if you’re sexually active. A pregnancy after an ablation is very dangerous for both the mother and the fetus, since the uterine lining would not be able to properly support fetal development. It’s very important to talk to your doctor about what birth control you will use after the NovaSure procedure.

How Does The Minerva System Work

Minerva uses a patented delivery system composed of a special silicone array or mesh thats used to deliver focused heat energy to the endometrial tissue. The mesh array conforms to the interior contours of your uterus for consistent application of heat energy throughout the endometrium. Minerva uses three mechanisms to deliver heat to the endometrium ionized argon gas, radiofrequency energy, and heated fluid for maximum effects. The system is designed to allow your doctor to customize your treatment to your specific needs so you can feel confident youll get the best possible outcome.

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Can You Get Pregnant After Endometrial Ablation

Although not impossible, it is unlikely that a person will be able to get pregnant after endometrial ablation. This means that the procedure is not suitable for those who plan on having children, or those who have already had children but wish to have more.

Moreover, there is an increased risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications in people who have had the procedure.

However, as pregnancy is still a possibility, using contraceptives afterwards , is necessary.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider

Monitor your recovery. Call your provider if you have symptoms that give you pause, such as:

• Fever.
• Trouble peeing.
• Intense cramping.
• Heavy bleeding. If youre using more than one pad per hour, go to the emergency room.
• Discharge from your vagina thats smelly.

If youre still having heavy periods or spotting after two to three months, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to check on your recovery.

Make sure to keep any appointments your provider recommends after your endometrial ablation.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Heavy periods are uncomfortable. They may also be a sign that something is wrong. There are many treatments for heavy period, including endometrial ablation. Endometrial ablation may be an option that can reduce your bleeding so that it doesnt get in the way of your life. If youre having heavy periods, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss what treatment is best for you.

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Ablation Description And Uses

An ablation procedure is a minimally invasive procedure. It is used to destroy layers of abnormal tissues in various parts of the body using lasers or cold. Ablation can be done for cosmetic reasons or treating serious disorders .

Cardiac catheter ablation is a procedure that destroys a small area of the heart tissue that is causing rapid and irregular heartbeats.

Depending on the results of the ablation procedure, the patient may still need to take medication to help control arrhythmias. Some patients may require repeat cardiac ablation treatment at some point.

Common conditions or the types of abnormal heart rhythms that are treated by cardiac ablation procedure include

• Atrial fibrillation : This is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia . It occurs when electrical signals from the hearts two upper chambers fibrillate or quiver.
• Atrial flutter : This is a condition related to AF. AFL occurs when the atria of the heart flutter at a regular and rapid rate, usually around 250 to 300 beats per minute .
• Ventricular tachycardia : This is a rapid type of heartbeat that starts in the ventricles .

There are other types of cardiac ablations

Apart from catheter ablation, other types of ablations include

Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All

• What is endometrial ablation?

  Endometrial ablation destroys a thin layer of the lining of the uterus. Menstrual bleeding does not stop but is reduced to normal or lighter levels. If ablation does not control heavy bleeding, further treatment or surgery may be needed.

• Why is endometrial ablation done?

  Endometrial ablation is used to treat many causes of heavy bleeding. In most cases, women with heavy bleeding are treated first with medication. If heavy bleeding cannot be controlled with medication, endometrial ablation may be used.

• Who should not have endometrial ablation?

  Endometrial ablation should not be done in women past menopause. It is not recommended for women with certain medical conditions, including the following:

• Disorders of the uterus or endometrium

• Current or recent infection of the uterus

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Talking To Your Doctor About Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Studies have shown that many women who suffer from heavy periods do not bring the subject up with their doctors or seek treatment.

Heavy periods are a problem that affects 1 out of every 5 women.

If getting the conversation started once youre there seems hard, try one of these openers:

• Id like to ask you a few questions about my menstrual cycle
• Ive noticed that my periods are different than they used to be
• Ive heard that a lot of women are getting treated for heavy periodsis this something I should consider?

If you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and do not wish to have any children in the future, be sure to ask your doctor if NovaSure may be right for you.

Danger Signals To Look Out For After The Procedure

After Endometrial ablation, if you experience two days of heavy bleeding, abdominal or pelvic pain, a fever, or pain that increases over time beyond 24 hours, call your physician. After any surgery contact your physician if you meet any of the following criteria:

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Why The Procedure Is Performed

This procedure can treat heavy or irregular periods. Your health care provider will likely have tried other treatments first, such as hormone medicines or an IUD.

Endometrial ablation will not be used if you may want to become pregnant in the future. Though this procedure does not prevent you from getting pregnant, it may reduce your chances of getting pregnant. Reliable contraception is important in all women who get the procedure.

If a woman gets pregnant after an ablation procedure, the pregnancy will often miscarry or be extremely high risk because of the scar tissue in the uterus.

Benefits Common Side Effects And Risks Of Endometrial Ablation

The main potential benefit of the procedure is the reduction in menstrual bleeding and improvement in quality of life.

The most common side effects of endometrial ablation occur during or immediately following the procedure and include pain, cramping, nausea, and vaginal discharge/bleeding/spotting. You may also have temporary diarrhea or a headache.

While rare, the following risks may occur during or immediately following the procedure:

• Deep injury to the uterus such as perforation , or burn beyond the muscular layer of the uterus
• Injury to the organs in the abdomen, such as bowel or bladder perforation or burns
• Burn injury to the vagina, vulva, and skin
• Infection
• Hemorrhage
• Air or gas embolism in the blood vessels)
• Need for an additional surgery, including a possible hysterectomy, due to a complication during the procedure

While rare, the following risks may happen months to years after the procedure:

• New pain during menstrual cycles in patients who have previously undergone a tubal ligation . Also known as post ablation tubal sterilization syndrome .
• Collection and retention of blood in the uterus due to narrowing of the cervix which may result in pain.

Other considerations include

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Who Should Not Have This Procedure

Endometrial ablation isnt for everyone. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your bleeding and determine if endometrial ablation is an option for you. Generally, you shouldnt have an endometrial ablation if:

• Your healthcare provider hasnt evaluated your bleeding.
• Your uterus is an abnormal shape.
• You or your partner are not sterilized or you are not willing to use birth control after the procedure.
• You are post-menopausal.

Additionally, some people with fibroids or whove had certain surgeries on their uterus are not able to have an endometrial ablation.

What Are The Risks Of An Endometrial Ablation

Possible complications of endometrial ablation include:

• Bleeding
• Tearing of the uterine wall or bowel
• Overloading of fluid into the bloodstream

Tell your healthcare provider if you are:

• Allergic to or sensitive to medicines, iodine, or latex
• Pregnant or think you could be. Endometrial ablation during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage.

You may have other risks based on your condition. Be sure to discuss anyconcerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

You may not be able to have an endometrial ablation if you have:

• Vaginal or cervical infection
• Past uterine surgery for fibroids
• Classic or vertical C-section incision
• Abnormal structure or shape of the uterus

Certain things can make it harder to do certain types of endometrialablation. These include:

• Narrowing of the inside of the cervix
• Short length or large size of uterus

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Keep Your Uterus And Stop Heavy Periods With An Endometrial Ablation

Uterine-sparing minimally invasive alternatives to hysterectomy.

Heavy periods are a common gynecological problem affecting one in twenty women. Menorrhagia is frequently treated by hysterectomy, but many women benefit from uterine-sparing minimally invasive approaches.

Women deserve to know all of the options before agreeing to a hysterectomy.

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive treatment designed to minimize, or in some cases, eliminate menstrual bleeding. This alternative treatment option is popular with premenopausal women suffering from menorrhagia, for whom childbearing is complete.

How does an endometrial ablation work?

Endometrial ablation is a short, outpatient surgical procedure to treat abnormal uterine bleeding without the need for incisions. The procedure destroys the endometrial lining, the tissue responsible for menstrual bleeding. This low-risk option has a 95% patient satisfaction rate and requires minimal patient downtime.

After the procedure, patients may never bleed again. If they do, their bleeding is generally reduced. Approximately half of the women no longer have bleeding after the procedure. Of the 50% that do continue to have a cycle, most have little bleeding and are satisfied with their results. The overall satisfaction rate is approximately 95%.

As not all patients experience a satisfactory reduction in bleeding, all treatment options should be discussed with your doctor.

What Is A Cervical Ablation

Women can get treatment for heavy periods with an endometrial ablation procedure . Many women begin to experience heavy and / or irregular bleeding in their 30s and 40s, as they begin to get closer to menopause. Heavy periods can take a physical, social, and emotional toll as well.

Thermachoice® is a soft, flexible balloon that a doctor inserts in the uterus as part of the endometrial ablation procedure to treat the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. It is an effective, non-hormonal heavy period treatment. It involves a minimally invasive, 8-minute procedure that can be performed in our office or in a hospital.

Thermachoice® is intended to treat premenopausal women with heavy bleeding who do not wish to become pregnant in the future. This process removes the primary source of menstrual bleeding and is a preferred choice for many women who experience heavy bleeding during their periods. Call our clinic today to learn more about the endometrial ablation procedure that we offer, or to schedule a consultation to see if this treatment is right for you.

We attribute much of our reputation to a dedicated staff of anesthesiologists, recovery room nurses, and medical assistants who deliver every day on the model of caring and kindness set during our 35 years of dedicated service to New York area women.

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