Medical Questions » Hysterectomy Questions » Question No. 526
| Question: | My gynaecologist wants to try a microwave endometrial ablation before he does a hysterectomy in order to control my heavy painful periods. What do you think about this operation? |
| Answer: | In the last few years, doctors have tried a range of new procedures to preserve the uterus and prevent the symptoms being suffered by the woman without resorting to a hysterectomy. One of the more recent, and most successful, is the procedure (it isn' t really an operation as nothing is cut) known as microwave endometrial ablation (MEA).
The reason for heavy painful periods is excessive production of the lining inside the uterus (the endometrium) which is shed with every period, and comes away with some bleeding and spasms (cramps) of the muscle that forms the uterus.
The procedure involves a brief general anaesthetic for ten to fifteen minutes. A thin probe is introduced through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The probe contains a microwave generator that is carefully calibrated to produce just the right amount of energy to destroy the endometrium (lining of the uterus) without damaging the wall of the uterus or surrounding organs. The probe is turned on for a few minutes and gently moved around inside the uterus to destroy all the endometrium.
MEA is normally carried out as a day surgery procedure, and the woman can go home a few hours later. There are normally some bad period-like uterine cramps for a few days, and a bloody discharge for two or three weeks, but after that, 90% of women have no periods at all, and can therefore avoid a hysterectomy.
The worst outcome is that the procedure fails and a hysterectomy is eventually necessary, but if it works, a simple procedure has replaced significant surgery. You should probably give it a try.
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