What to expect after an endometrial ablation
The destruction or removal of the lining of the womb is an effective alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding
Interestingly there was an article in the daily mail a few years ago calling these sort of procedures the “three minute hysterectomy”.
The “3 minute hysterectomy” it is NOT. Though it is a quick operation and some women will not have periods afterwards, the womb is still retained so without EFFECTIVE CONTRACEPTION, women can still become PREGNANT.
For some women the Mirena intrauterine contraceptive device may be a suitable option. If it is it can be inserted at the same time as the procedure.
There are various methods of destroying the lining of the womb. Some of these like the NOVASURE technique can be done in some centers under local anaesthetic.
All however are done as “day cases” where you go into hospital. Have the procedure and are discharged the same day.
For some women who have continuous bleeding your doctor may give you some medication to ensure that you are not bleeding on the day of the operation, this may be in tablet form for example PROVERA or injectable ZOLADEX. This is known as pre-treatment.
How long does it take?
For those procedures that are performed under general anaesthetic, they averagely take about 15-20minutes however “turn-around” time (meaning the time it takes to get into theatre, and be sent back to the ward from recovery) can take up to an hour.
Out of the recovery area
Once you come round from the anaesthetic, you would be offered something to eat and drink, and once your observations are satisfactory and you have emptied your bladder, and you are not bleeding heavily, your nurses will start preparing you for home.
Going home
You will not be able to drive home your self and you will need to be accompanied home by a friend or relative.
After an anaesthetic you should not operate heavy machinery for a day or two
Women are usually discharged with some painkillers as most describe a crampy abdominal pain similar to a bad period. This usually disappears within a day or so
There is usually some bleeding vaginally, which is no worse than a heavy period; sometimes this changes into a watery discharge for up to 10 days.
Sex
It is best to wait till the bleeding and discharge stop before resuming sexual intercourse
Women are advised to use Sanitary Towels rather than Tampons till the bleeding and discharge stops.
Back to work
You should be able to go back to work within a few days of the procedure.
Complications of the procedure include
Perforation of the womb, which can result in
Bowel or bladder injury
If these injuries occur it may be necessary for your doctor to perform a laparoscopy or laparotomy (open surgery) to inspect and repair the damaged organs
Bleeding
Which can result in needing a hysterectomy as a life saving measure in about 1:500 women
Infection
The effects of this type of treatment are not immediate it can take up to 3 months if not longer to see whether the treatment has had the desired effect.
Follow up visit
You are advised to keep a record of your periods for both bleeding and pain symptoms (Menstrual Calendar- with modern technology there are a number of good “aps” you can use) so you can discuss them with your doctor at your follow up visit
The destruction or removal of the lining of the womb is an effective alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding
Interestingly there was an article in the daily mail a few years ago calling these sort of procedures the “three minute hysterectomy”.
The “3 minute hysterectomy” it is NOT. Though it is a quick operation and some women will not have periods afterwards, the womb is still retained so without EFFECTIVE CONTRACEPTION, women can still become PREGNANT.
For some women the Mirena intrauterine contraceptive device may be a suitable option. If it is it can be inserted at the same time as the procedure.
There are various methods of destroying the lining of the womb. Some of these like the NOVASURE technique can be done in some centers under local anaesthetic.
All however are done as “day cases” where you go into hospital. Have the procedure and are discharged the same day.
For some women who have continuous bleeding your doctor may give you some medication to ensure that you are not bleeding on the day of the operation, this may be in tablet form for example PROVERA or injectable ZOLADEX. This is known as pre-treatment.
How long does it take?
For those procedures that are performed under general anaesthetic, they averagely take about 15-20minutes however “turn-around” time (meaning the time it takes to get into theatre, and be sent back to the ward from recovery) can take up to an hour.
Out of the recovery area
Once you come round from the anaesthetic, you would be offered something to eat and drink, and once your observations are satisfactory and you have emptied your bladder, and you are not bleeding heavily, your nurses will start preparing you for home.
Going home
You will not be able to drive home your self and you will need to be accompanied home by a friend or relative.
After an anaesthetic you should not operate heavy machinery for a day or two
Women are usually discharged with some painkillers as most describe a crampy abdominal pain similar to a bad period. This usually disappears within a day or so
There is usually some bleeding vaginally, which is no worse than a heavy period; sometimes this changes into a watery discharge for up to 10 days.
Sex
It is best to wait till the bleeding and discharge stop before resuming sexual intercourse
Women are advised to use Sanitary Towels rather than Tampons till the bleeding and discharge stops.
Back to work
You should be able to go back to work within a few days of the procedure.
Complications of the procedure include
Perforation of the womb, which can result in
Bowel or bladder injury
If these injuries occur it may be necessary for your doctor to perform a laparoscopy or laparotomy (open surgery) to inspect and repair the damaged organs
Bleeding
Which can result in needing a hysterectomy as a life saving measure in about 1:500 women
Infection
The effects of this type of treatment are not immediate it can take up to 3 months if not longer to see whether the treatment has had the desired effect.
Follow up visit
You are advised to keep a record of your periods for both bleeding and pain symptoms (Menstrual Calendar- with modern technology there are a number of good “aps” you can use) so you can discuss them with your doctor at your follow up visit
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