Menorrhagia: endometrial ablation or hysterectomy?

BACKGROUND For many woman who suffer from menorrhagia, treatment would previously have meant hysterectomy. Today there are a number of less invasive surgical options available, such as endometrial ablation, which involves removal of the endometrium and part of the myometrium. This article compares two endometrial ablative techniques--transcervical resection of the endometrium and thermal balloon therapy--with hysterectomy in the management of menorrhagia. CONCLUSION While satisfaction with outcome is generally higher in women undergoing hysterectomy, satisfaction is also high following ablation and the procedure is less invasive and safer. Further research is required, however, to evaluate the long-term efficacy of ablation when compared to hysterectomy.