Endometrial Ablation for Endometriosis
Endometrial ablation is a non-surgical procedure used to treat endometriosis and other conditions involving very heavy uterine bleeding or menstrual blood loss. It uses cold, heat, energy wave, or radio waves to destroy endometrial tissue that is the lining of the uterus. Destroying endometrial tissue helps decrease or stop bleeding from the uterus.
Before undergoing endometrial ablation, the doctor will provide instructions to follow before the procedure. These may include:
- Visiting the hospital about a week before surgery for tests such as blood tests, urine tests, electrocardiograms, and X-rays. You may also undergo a pregnancy test to confirm you are not pregnant.
- Temporarily stopping certain medications that affect blood clotting, such as anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) or aspirin
- Not eating and drinking, even water, on the night before the procedure or at least 8 hours before the procedure
- Arranging for someone to take you home after the procedure
- Gathering relevant identification and insurance documents, as well as a complete list of medications and supplements you take
A healthcare professional will perform the procedure in a doctor’s office or operating room. The following are the general steps for the procedure. Depending on the specific endometrial ablation procedure being performed, some steps are not needed or there may be additional steps.
- You’ll be asked to change into a hospital gown.
- In the procedure room, a needle will be inserted into your arm and IV fluid will be given.
- A catheter may be inserted to drain urine during the procedure.
- Medication may be injected to make you more comfortable during the ablation procedure. This may include anesthesia medicine.
- The doctor will insert a device into the vagina and into the uterus. The device is used to send energy, heat, or cold into the uterus to destroy part of the endometrium (uterus lining).
- After the procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery area for anesthesia to wear off or rest for a couple of hours. The recovery room staff will let you know when you can go home.
After undergoing ablation surgery, there are instructions for recovery and follow-up that you should follow. These may include:
- Information about common side effects of the procedure and when to contact the doctor. After an endometrial ablation, you may experience:
- Cramps that feel like cramps that happen with a menstrual period. Cramps may last a few days. The doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs, to help with cramping pain.
- Frequent urination in the first day after the procedure
- Vaginal discharge, which may be watery with some blood. There will be more discharge in the first days after the procedure. The amount of discharge will lessen over a few weeks after the procedure.
- Information about activities to avoid and when you may resume normal activities. For a period of time, you may be advised to:
- Not have sex
- Not douche or use tampons
- Avoid strenuous activity such as heavy lifting
- Instructions about medication use, including what to take for side effects of the procedure and when to re-start taking medications you were asked to temporarily stop before the procedure.
- Information about when to call the doctor. While ablation surgery is generally safe, there can be potential complications that you should be aware of. These may include:
- Bleeding complications
- Infection
- Damage to surrounding tissues or organs
- Reactions to anesthesia, such as nausea
It's important to follow any precautions provided by your doctor and seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or other concerning symptoms after the procedure.
Remember that this information serves as an overview of ablation surgery. It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding your specific medical condition and treatment options.