Prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for intraoperative bleeding in women with von Willebrand disease and heavy menstrual bleeding: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Optimal peri-operative management for women with Von Willebrand disease (VWD) and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) remains undetermined. AIM AND METHODS: To evaluate (pre)operative management in relation to (post)operative bleeding after endometrial ablation (EA) and hysterectomy in VWD women with HMB by performing a database search between 1994 and 2023. RESULTS: Eleven cohort studies and 1 case-report were included, of overall 'low' quality, describing 691 operative procedures. Prophylaxis (Desmopressin, clotting factor concentrates or tranexamic acid) to prevent bleeding was described in 100% (30/30) of EA procedures and in 4% (24/661) of hysterectomies. Bleeding complications despite prophylaxis were described in 13% (3/24) of hysterectomies vs 0% (0/30) in EA. CONCLUSION: VWD women often seem to experience bleeding complications during hysterectomy and all women with VWD received preprocedural hemostatic agents during EA, indicating potential under- and overdosing of current prophylactic strategies. Prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal (pre)operative strategy for gynecological surgical procedures in women with VWD.

Effectiveness of treating menorrhagia using microwave endometrial ablation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz.

BACKGROUND: Microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) is a minimally invasive treatment for menorrhagia. It has been covered by the national insurance in Japan since April 2012, and its demand has been increasing as the importance of women's health has advanced in society. AIM: To examine the efficacy of MEA as a treatment option for menorrhagia. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 76 patients who underwent MEA between January 2016 and March 2020 in our department. MEA was performed in the lithotomy position, under general anesthesia, and with transabdominal ultrasound guidance, including the entire endometrial circumference while confirming endometrial coagulation. The Microtaze AFM-712 and the Sounding Applicator CSA-40CBL-1006200C were used for MEA, and the endometrium was ablated using a Microtaze output of 70 W and coagulation energization time of 50 s per cycle. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate menorrhagia, menstrual pain, and treatment satisfaction. Additionally, the hemoglobin (Hb) levels before and after MEA and associated complications were investigated. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 44.8 ± 4.0 years. While 14 patients had functional menorrhagia, 62 had organic menorrhagia, of whom 14 had endometrial polyps, 40 had uterine fibroids, and 8 had adenomyosis. The VAS score before MEA and 3 and 6 mo after the procedure were 10, 1.3 ± 1.3, and 1.3 ± 1.3, respectively, for menorrhagia and 10, 1.3 ± 1.8, and 1.3 ± 1.8, respectively, for menstrual pain, both showing improvements (P < 0.001). The MEA Hb level significantly improved from 9.2 ± 4.2 g/dL before MEA to 13.4 ± 1.2 g/dL after MEA (P = 0.003). Treatment satisfaction was high, with a VAS score of 9.6 ± 0.7. Endometritis was observed in one patient after surgery and was treated with antibiotics. CONCLUSION: MEA is a safe and effective treatment for menorrhagia.

The ISTH-BAT score and outcomes after endometrial ablation in women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis bleeding assessment tool (ISTH-BAT), is used during the diagnostic workup of bleeding disorders. Data on ISTH-BAT scores in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) undergoing endometrial ablation (EA) could be essential in optimizing HMB counselling. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the postsurgical incidence of amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, quality of life, re-intervention after EA, and ISTH-BAT score. METHODS: This study included women who have undergone EA because of HMB. During a follow-up of 2 to 5 years, ISTH-BAT, pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC), and Short Form-36 survey (SF-36) were administered. At 10 years of follow-up surgical re-interventions were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-one women were included of whom 77% (n = 55) had an ISTH-BAT score < 6, versus 23% (n = 16) ISTH-BAT score ≥6 (mean age 46.3 versus 42.3, p = 0.004). In the ISTH-BAT ≥6 group versus < 6 group, amenorrhea occurred in 63% (10/16) versus 82% (45/55) (p = 0.111), dysmenorrhea in 38% (6/16) versus 18% (10/55) (p = 0.111), and surgical re-intervention in 19% (3/16) versus 25% (14/55) (p = 0.582). SF-36 item (Bodily) pain was lower in the ISTH-BAT ≥6 group versus < 6 (median score 58.7 vs. 80.0, p = 0.104). CONCLUSIONS: An ISTH-BAT score ≥6 may be related to a lower amenorrhea incidence and higher dysmenorrhea rate after EA.

Endometrial ablation and resection versus hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness and complications.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of endometrial ablation or resection (E:A/R) compared to hysterectomy for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Literature search was conducted, and randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing (E:A/R) versus hysterectomy were reviewed. The search was last updated in November 2022. Twelve RCTs with 2,028 women (hysterectomy: n=977 vs. [E:A/R]: n=1,051) were included in the analyzis. The meta-analysis revealed that the hysterectomy group showed improved patient-reported and objective bleeding symptoms more than those of the (E:A/R) group, with risk ratios of (mean difference [MD], 0.75; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.71 to 0.79) and (MD, 44.00; 95% CI, 36.09 to 51.91), respectively. Patient satisfaction was higher post-hysterectomy than (E:A/R) at 2 years of follow-up, but this effect was absent with long-term follow-up. (E:A/R) is considered an alternative to hysterectomy as a surgical management for heavy menstrual bleeding. Although both procedures are highly effective, safe, and improve the quality of life, hysterectomy is significantly superior at improving bleeding symptoms and patient satisfaction for up to 2 years. However, it is associated with longer operating and recovery times and a higher rate of postoperative complications. The initial cost of (E:A/R) is less than the cost of hysterectomy, but further surgical requirements are common; therefore, there is no difference in the cost for long-term follow-up.

Medical treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding in primary care: 10-year data from the ECLIPSE trial.

BACKGROUND: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common problem that can significantly affect women's lives. There is a lack of evidence on long-term outcomes after seeking treatment. AIM: To assess continuation rates of medical treatments and rates of surgery in women 10 years after initial management for HMB in primary care. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective observational cohort study. METHOD: Women with HMB who participated in the ECLIPSE primary care trial (ISRCTN86566246) completed questionnaires 10 years after randomisation to the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) or other usual medical treatments (oral tranexamic acid, mefenamic acid, combined oestrogen-progestogen; or progesterone alone). Outcomes were rates of surgery, medical treatments, and quality of life using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and EuroQoL EQ-5D. RESULTS: The responding cohort of 206 women was demographically and clinically representative of the original trial population. Mean age at baseline was 41.9 years (SD 4.9) and 53.7 years (SD 5.1) at follow-up. Over the 10-year follow-up, 60 of 206 (29.1%) women had surgery (hysterectomy n = 34, 16.5%; endometrial ablation n = 26, 12.6%). Between 5 and 10 years, 89 women (43.2%) ceased all medical treatments and 88 (42.7%) used LNG-IUS alone or in combination with other treatments. Fifty-six women (27.2%) were using LNG-IUS at 10 years. There were improvements over time in quality-of-life scores, with no evidence of differences in these or other outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Medical treatments for women with HMB can be successfully initiated in primary care, with low rates of surgery and improvement in quality of life observed a decade later.

Evaluation of Hysteroscopic Endometrectomy: A Reappraisal.

Endometrial ablation can be performed using a variety of techniques, including resectoscopic or non-resectoscopic approaches. In this study, we compared 2 resectoscopic endometrial ablation techniques. The first technique was rollerball coagulation followed by endometrectomy (type A; n = 103), and the second was the reverse (type B; n = 107). Besides excessive bleeding in 4 cases, the procedures were uneventful in both groups of patients. We did not encounter uterine perforation or cervical laceration. Satisfaction rates were 97% and 99% with an overall hysterectomy rate of 2.9%. These results compared favorably with those in the literature. The results of our study show that hysteroscopic endometrectomy is effective with few associated complications.

Hysteroscopic polypectomy with endometrial resection preventing the recurrence of endometrial polyps: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

Background: Recurrence of endometrial polyp following the hysteroscopic polypectomy is a significant concern for both the patients and physicians. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining hysteroscopic polypectomy with endometrial resection in reducing the rate of recurrence in women over 40 years old. Methods: In a single-blinded clinical trial, 94 women with endometrial polyps who were unwilling to future pregnancy were identified and randomly allocated to the intervention (hysteroscopic polypectomy + endometrial resection) and control group (hysteroscopic polypectomy alone) group (n=47/each). Randomization was done using a simple randomization technique . The primary outcome measure was the polyp recurrence. The secondary outcome measure was the number of adverse events. Results: In total, polyp recurrence occurred in two (4.3%) patients of the intervention group and nine patients (19.1%) of the control group (P=0.019). All the recurrences occurred in the premenopausal patients (P=0.012). No adverse event was observed in any patients of both groups. Conclusion: Adding endometrial resection to hysteroscopic polypectomy, especially in postmenopausal women, is a safe method that significantly reduces the risk of recurrence of the endometrial polyp.

Hysteroscopic Endometrial Resection in Women Treated With Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer Provides Definitive Diagnosis and Effective Long-Term Therapy.

We evaluated resectoscopic surgery for definitive diagnosis and long-term therapy in 16 symptomatic tamoxifen-treated women with breast cancer who presented with abnormal uterine bleeding and/or intrauterine anomalies. Seven pre-menopausal women had benign pre- and post-operative endometrial biopsy, and 4 had benign polyps. At a median of 7 years of follow-up (range 2-8 y), all remained amenorrheic. Of 9 post-menopausal women, pre-operative biopsy was inadequate in 4, benign endometrium was found in 4, and non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia was found in 1. Post-operatively, all had benign pathology, 8 having polyp and 1 leiomyoma. At a median follow-up of 7 years (range 2-13 y), all were amenorrheic, with no recurrence of breast cancer or uterine pathology.

Effectiveness of microwave endometrial ablation combined with hysteroscopic transcervical resection in treating submucous uterine myomas.

BACKGROUND: Hypermenorrhea is characterized by excessive menstrual bleeding that causes severe anemia and interferes with everyday life. This condition can restrict women's social activities and decrease their quality of life. Microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) using a 2.45-GHz energy source is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional hysterectomy for treating hypermenorrhea that is resistant to conservative treatment, triggered by systemic disease or medications, or caused by uterine myomas and fibrosis. The popularity of MEA has increased worldwide. Although MEA can safely and effectively treat submucous myomas, some patients may still experience recurrent hypermenorrhea postoperatively and may require additional treatment. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of MEA combined with transcervical resection (TCR). METHODS: Participants underwent cervical and endometrial evaluations. Magnetic resonance imaging and hysteroscopy were performed to evaluate the size and location of the myomas. TCR was performed before MEA using a hystero-resectoscope. MEA was performed using transabdominal ultrasound. The variables included operation time, number of ablation cycles, length of hospital stay, and visual analog scale cores for hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and treatment satisfaction at 3 and 6 mo postoperatively. The postoperative incidence of amenorrhea, changes in hemoglobin concentrations, and MEA-related complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 34 women underwent a combination of MEA and TCR during the study period. Two patients were excluded from the study as their histopathological tests identified uterine malignancies (uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer). The 32 eligible women (6 nulliparous, 26 multiparous) had a mean age of 45.2 ± 4.3 years (range: 36-52 years). Patients reported very severe hypermenorrhea (10/10 points on the visual analog scale) before the procedure. However, after the procedure, the hypermenorrhea scores decreased to 1.2 ± 1.3 and 0.9 ± 1.3 at 3 and 6 mo, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean follow-up duration was 33.8 ± 16.8 mo. Although 10 women (31.3%) developed amenorrhea during this period, none experienced a recurrence of hypermenorrhea. No surgical complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Reducing the size of uterine myomas by combining MEA and TCR can safely and effectively treat hypermenorrhea in patients with submucous myomas.

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy compared with second-generation endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding: the HEALTH RCT.

BACKGROUND: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common problem that affects many British women. When initial medical treatment is unsuccessful, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends surgical options such as endometrial ablation (EA) or hysterectomy. Although clinically and economically more effective than EA, total hysterectomy necessitates a longer hospital stay and is associated with slower recovery and a higher risk of complications. Improvements in endoscopic equipment and training have made laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) accessible to most gynaecologists. This operation could preserve the advantages of total hysterectomy and reduce the risk of complications. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of LASH with second-generation EA in women with HMB. DESIGN: A parallel-group, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Allocation was by remote web-based randomisation (1 : 1 ratio). Surgeons and participants were not blinded to the allocated procedure. SETTING: Thirty-one UK secondary and tertiary hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Women aged < 50 years with HMB. Exclusion criteria included plans to conceive; endometrial atypia; abnormal cytology; uterine cavity size > 11 cm; any fibroids > 3 cm; contraindications to laparoscopic surgery; previous EA; and inability to give informed consent or complete trial paperwork. INTERVENTIONS: LASH compared with second-generation EA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Co-primary clinical outcome measures were (1) patient satisfaction and (2) Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Quality-of-Life Scale (MMAS) score at 15 months post randomisation. The primary economic outcome was incremental cost (NHS perspective) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. RESULTS: A total of 330 participants were randomised to each group (total n = 660). Women randomised to LASH were more likely to be satisfied with their treatment than those randomised to EA (97.1% vs. 87.1%) [adjusted difference in proportions 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05 to 0.15; adjusted odds ratio (OR) from ordinal logistic regression (OLR) 2.53, 95% CI 1.83 to 3.48; p < 0.001]. Women randomised to LASH were also more likely to have the best possible MMAS score of 100 (68.7% vs. 54.5%) (adjusted difference in proportions 0.13, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.23; adjusted OR from OLR 1.87, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.67; p = 0.001). Serious adverse event rates were low and similar in both groups (4.5% vs. 3.6%). There was a significant difference in adjusted mean costs between LASH (£2886) and EA (£1282) at 15 months, but no significant difference in QALYs. Based on an extrapolation of expected differences in cost and QALYs out to 10 years, LASH cost an additional £1362 for an average QALY gain of 0.11, equating to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £12,314 per QALY. Probabilities of cost-effectiveness were 53%, 71% and 80% at cost-effectiveness thresholds of £13,000, £20,000 and £30,000 per QALY gained, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Follow-up data beyond 15 months post randomisation are not available to inform cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSION: LASH is superior to EA in terms of clinical effectiveness. EA is less costly in the short term, but expected higher retreatment rates mean that LASH could be considered cost-effective by 10 years post procedure. FUTURE WORK: Retreatment rates, satisfaction and quality-of-life scores at 10-year follow-up will help to inform long-term cost-effectiveness. TRIAI REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN49013893. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 53. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Almost 1.5 million women in England and Wales suffer from heavy periods. Initial treatment involves tablets or a medicated coil inserted within the womb. Sometimes these treatments do not work and many women need an operation, either endometrial ablation (EA) (removing the lining of the womb) or a full hysterectomy (complete removal of the womb). Previous studies have shown that a full hysterectomy is better at relieving symptoms, but the risk of complications during surgery is higher and patients take longer to recover fully. A newer operation, laparoscopic (keyhole) supracervical hysterectomy, or 'LASH', removes only the part of the womb that causes periods and preserves the cervix or neck of the womb. Women who have LASH can expect fewer complications, earlier discharge from hospital and quicker recovery time. In this study, we compared EA with LASH by asking women who had either procedure how they felt about it 1 year after their operation. Regardless of which operation they had, most women were very satisfied and felt that their symptoms were better. However, the results were much better for those who had the LASH operation, although these women stayed in hospital for longer and took more time to recover. There was no difference in complications from either surgery, although nearly 1 in 20 women who had an EA returned within 1 year to have their wombs removed in a second operation. Although LASH led to a greater improvement in symptoms and levels of satisfaction, it was more expensive in terms of costs incurred by both the health service and society. Given that some women who had an EA are likely to need a second operation in the future, LASH surgery may provide better value for money in the long term.

Effect of Shengxuening tablets combined with ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate on thickness of endometrium and hemoglobin levels in patients with endometrial polyps for transcervical resection of polyp / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of Shengxuening tablets combined with ethinylestradiol and cycloproterone acetate on endometrial thickness and hemoglobin level in patients with endometrial polyps for transcervical resection of polyp. Methods A total of 150 patients with hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy were randomly divided into three groups, 50 in each group. The control group was treated with hysteroscopy endometrial polyp electrotomy, while the western medicine group was treated with ethinylestradiol and cycloprogesterone acetate tablets on the basis of the control group, and the combined group was treated with Shengxuening tablets on the basis of the western medicine group. The menstrual volume, endometrial thickness and hemoglobin levels were observed before treatment, at 3 month, 6 month and 12 month after treatment, and the clinical efficacy and recurrence during follow-up were evaluated. Results The total effective rate was 98.0％(49/50) in the combined group, 96.0％ (48/50) in the western medicine group, 86.0％ (43/50) in the control group. The total effective rate in the combined group and the western medicine group was significantly higher than that in the control group (χ2=6.643, P=0.036). The menstrual volume (F=28.096, 49.096, 33.303), endometrial thickness (F=11.214, 20.265, 63.947) in the three groups were significantly different after treatment (P<0.01), and which in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the western medicine group, menstrual volume at 36,12 after treatment (t value were 4.747, 2.244, 4.489, P<0.01); endometrial thickness at 3, 6, 12 month after treatment (t value were 3.293, 3.356, 5.293, P<0.01); there were significant differences in hemoglobin levels in the three groups (F=11.002, 8.662, 8.958, P<0.01), and which in the combined group was significantly higher than that in the western medicine group at 3,6,12 month after treatment (t value were 2.722, 2.074, 2.028, P<0.05). During the follow-up period, 2 cases (4.1％) recurred in the combined group, 3 cases (6.3％) recurred in the western medicine group and 9 cases (20.9％) recurred in the control group. The recurrence rate in the combined group or the western medicine group was significantly lower than that in the control group (χ2=6.775, P=0.034). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate in the combined group and the western medicine group (χ2=0.211, P=0.646). Conclusions The Ethynestradiol and Cyproterone acetate combined with Shengxuening tablets could improve the curative effect, reduce menstrual volume and endometrial thickness, increase hemoglobin level and reduce recurrence rate in patients with endometrial polyps for transcervical resection of polyp.

Clinical study of percutaneous microwave ablation of uterine myometrium benign lesions / 中国医师杂志

Objective To study the clinical value of percutaneous microwave ablation of uterine myometrium benign lesions.Methods 100 cases of patients with benign lesions of myometrium in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2017 were enrolled in the study.According to the treatment methods,they were divided into observation group (percutaneous microwave ablation,n =50) and control group (uterine artery embolization,n =50).Relevant perioperative indicators,postoperative complications,hemoglobin (Hb),serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125),menstrual status and follow-up results were observed in both groups.Results The operative time and ambulation time were significantly shortened in observation group (P ＜ 0.05).The postoperative adverse reaction rates in observation group and control group were 44.00％ and 100.00％ respectively (P ＜ 0.05),and the 1-year recurrence rates were 4.00％ and 12.00％ (P ＞0.05).After 1 month and 3 months of treatment,the menstrual period,menstrual volume and dysmenorrhea degree score were gradually decreased in the two groups,and the differences withingroups were significant (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the corresponding time points of the control group,the level of each index in the observation group was lower,and there was significant difference between the two groups.At 3 months and 12 months after operation,the level of Hb in the two groups was gradually increased while the serum CA125 concentration was gradually decreased (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the control group at each time point,the level of each index was better in observation group (P ＜ 0.05).At 6 months and 12 months after operation,the uterus volume and fibroid volume in the two groups were gradually decreased (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the control group at each time point,the uterus volume and fibroid volume were smaller in observation group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Microwave ablation has high safety in the treatment of benign lesions of myometrium,and it has the advantages of few postoperative complications,quick recovery and definite efficacy.Thus it is worthy of clinical promotion.

HEALTH: laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy versus second-generation endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common problem affecting approximately 1.5 million women in England and Wales with a major impact on their physical, emotional, social and material quality of life. It is the fourth most common reason why women attend gynaecology outpatient clinics and accounts for one-fifth of all gynaecology outpatient referrals. Initial treatment in primary care is medical - either by means of oral or injected medication or the levonorgestrel-intrauterine system (Mirena®). If medical treatment fails then surgical treatment can be offered, either endometrial ablation (EA), which destroys the lining of the cavity of the uterus (endometrium), or hysterectomy, i.e. surgical removal of the uterus. While effective, conventional hysterectomy is invasive and carries a risk of complications due to injury to other pelvic structures. The procedure can be simplified and complications minimised by undertaking a 'supracervical' hysterectomy where the cervix is left in situ and only the body of the uterus removed. Recent advances in endoscopic technologies have facilitated increased use of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) which can be performed as a day-case procedure and is relatively easy for the surgeon to learn. HEALTH (Hysterectomy or Endometrial AbLation Trial for Heavy menstrual bleeding) aims to address the question 'Is LASH superior to second generation EA for the treatment of HMB in terms of clinical and cost effectiveness?' METHODS/DESIGN: Women aged < 50 years, with HMB, in whom medical treatment has failed and who are eligible for EA will be considered for trial entry. We aim to recruit women from approximately 30 active secondary care centres in the UK NHS who carry out both surgical procedures. All women who consent will complete a diary of pain symptoms from day 1 to day 14 after surgery, postal questionnaires at six weeks and six months after surgery and 15 months post randomisation. Healthcare utilisation questions will also be completed at the six-week, six-month and 15-month time-points. DISCUSSION: Measuring the comparative effectiveness of LASH vs EA will provide the robust evidence required to determine whether the new technique should be adopted widely in the NHS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials, ISRCTN49013893 . Registered on 28 January 2014.

Ablação endometrial: para qual paciente indicar? / Endometrial ablation: for whom is indicated?

O sangramento uterino anormal tem, como primeira linha de tratamento, o uso de medicação. Na sua falha ou impossibilidade de utilização, indica-se a histerectomia ou a ablação endometrial. A adequada seleção da paciente para realizar esse último método é essencial para minimizar os riscos de falhas e eventos adversos. Assim, esse estudo objetiva buscar evidências sobre as características das pacientes com maior chance de sucesso na ablação e avaliar se há diferença no resultado com o uso da primeira ou da segunda geração. Buscou-se artigos na base de dados Medline com os termos endométrio e ablação associados ao sangramento menstrual aumentado e sangramento uterino anormal. Foram selecionados 19 artigos dos últimos quatro anos. Comparando-se os dois métodos cirúrgicos, a ablação endometrial tem enorme vantagem perante à histerectomia, tendo menores riscos de complicações, menor custo e por ser de rápida realização. O prévio reconhecimento dos fatores, como adenomiose, laqueadura tubária, anormalidade uterina e dismenorreia, entre outros, pode reduzir a chance de falha da ablação endometrial, além de se sugerir a melhor técnica a ser aplicada. Assim, o alcance do sucesso no tratamento junto à melhora da qualidade de vida da paciente deve ser feito de modo individualizado.(AU)

The first line of treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding is medicine. If it fails or if the patient cannot use it, it is indicated hysterectomy or endometrial ablation. In order to minimize the risk of failure or adverse effects, it is recommended that patients should be selected with criteria for endometrial ablation. Therefore, this study aims to look for evidence of characteristics that could enhance the chances of success for endometrial ablation and observe if there is a difference in results when using either the first or the second generation. Nineteen articles published between 2013-2016 were selected from the Medline base ­ the terms endometrial, ablation, heavy menstrual bleeding and abnormal uterine bleeding were used as key words. Endometrial ablation has advantage over hysterectomy because it shows fewer risks for complications and has lower costs, besides being faster. Previous recognition of factors like adenomyosis, tubal sterilization, uterine abnormality and dysmenorrhea can reduce the chances of failure of endometrial ablation. Moreover, the best technique is suggested to be applied. Thus, the achievement of success in the treatment and improvement in the patient's quality of life should be individualized.(AU)

Comparison of the effect of NovaSure endometrial ablation and transcervical resection of endometrium in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the clinical effects of NovaSure endometrial ablation and transcervical resection of endometrium in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding(DUB).Methods There were 45 DUB patients,20 cases among them received NovaSure endometrial ablation were selected as observation group, and 25 cases received transcervical resection of endometrium were selected as control group.The average operation time, mean bleeding volum,average treatment cost were compared between the two groups.Results The observation group had better average operation time[(7.55 ±3.17)min]and mean bleeding volume[(5.10 ±3.08)mL]than the con-trol group,the differences were statistically significant (t=-9.04,-6.16,all P<0.01).While the observation group had higher average treatment cost[(13 682.25 ±1 679.04)yuan]than the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(t=10.95,P<0.01).Postoperative follow-up of 6 months to evaluate bleeding,the total effective rate between the two groups had no statistically significant difference (χ2 =0.03,P=0.87).Conclusion Implementation of NovaSure endometrial ablation can provide precise effect in treating DUB, with shorter operation time,less mean bleeding volume and other advantages,and it is worth clinical promotion and application.

Tratamento do sangramento uterino anormal: uma análise sob a perspectiva dos custos no Sistema Único de Saúde e da medicina suplementar / Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding: an analysis from the perspective of costs in the public health system and supplementary medicine

Objetivos: Comparar os custos diretos e indiretos do sistema intra‐uterino de liberação de levonorgestrel (SIU‐LNG), ablação endometrial com balão térmico (AEBT) e histerectomia no tratamento de mulheres com sangramento uterino anormal (SUA). Métodos: Foram avaliadas retrospectivamente 88 pacientes tratadas para SUA pelo SIU‐LNG (n = 30), AEBT (n = 28) e histerectomia (n = 30). Foram considerados todos os procedimentos, consultas e exames envolvidos no tratamento das pacientes por um período de 5 anos, assim como os custos resultantes das falhas dos tratamentos utilizados. Foram estimados os custos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e sistema de saúde suplementar. As diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelo teste do t de Student ou ANOVA. Resultados:O custo do tratamento do SUA com AEBT foi significante mais elevado em comparação ao SIU‐LNG e histerectomia após um e cinco anos de seguimento, tanto no SUS quanto na medicina suplementar (p < 0,001). No SUS, o tratamento com o SIU‐LNG foi de 38,2% dos custos da histerectomia no primeiro ano (R$ 769,61 vs. R$ 2.012,21, p < 0,001) e de 45,2% após cinco anos (R$ 927,83 vs. R$ 2.052,21, p < 0,001). Na saúde suplementar essa diferença foi ainda mais expressiva. Nesse contexto, o custo do SIU‐LNG foi de 29,1% dos custos da histerectomia no primeiro ano (R$ 1.551,92 vs. R$5.324,74, p < 0,001) e de 37,4% após cinco anos (R$ 2.069,35 vs. R$ 5.538,74, p < 0,001). Conclusões: O uso do SIU‐LNG resulta em custos diretos e indiretos menores do que a AEBT e histerectomia no tratamento do SUA. A custo‐efetividade do SIU‐LNG aliado à reversibilidade e por ser um procedimento ambulatorial reforçam o seu papel no tratamento de mulheres com SUA tanto na perspectiva do SUS quanto na saúde suplementar.

Objectives: To compare direct and indirect costs of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS), thermal balloon endometrial ablation (TBEA) and hysterectomy in the treatment of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Methods: 88 patients treated for AUB by LNG‐IUS (n = 30), TBEA (n = 28) and hysterectomy (n = 30) were retrospectively evaluated. All procedures, medical appointments and tests involved in the treatment of patients were considered for a period of five years, as well as all costs arising from failures of the treatments used. The costs for the Unified Health System (SUS) and the private health care system were estimated. Differences between groups were evaluated by the test t of Student or ANOVA. Results: The cost of the treatment of AUB with TBEA was significantly higher versus LNG‐IUS and hysterectomy after a five‐year follow‐up in both SUS and private health care system (p <0.001). In SUS, the treatment with the LNG‐IUS represented 38.2% of the hysterectomy cost in the first year (R$ 769.61 vs. R$ 2,012.21, p <0.001) and 45.2% after five years (R$ 927.83 vs. R$ 2,052.21, p <0.001). As for the private health care system, this difference was even more significant. In this context, the cost of LNG‐IUS represented 29.1% of the hysterectomy cost in the first year (R$ 1,551.92 vs. R$ 5,324.74, p <0.001) and 37.4% after five years (R$ 2,069.35 vs. R$ 5,538.74, p <0.001). Conclusions: The use of LNG‐IUS results in lower direct and indirect costs versus TBEA and hysterectomy in the treatment of women with AUB. The cost‐effectiveness of LNG‐IUS, together with the reversibility and also by this being an outpatient procedure, highlights its role in the treatment of women with AUB, both in SUS perspective as in private health care system's.

Long-term patient satisfaction with thermal balloon ablation for abnormal uterine bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Thermal balloon ablation is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding/heavy menstrual bleeding (AUB/HMB). Most published studies to date provide information on short-term patient satisfaction and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine long-term patient satisfaction after thermal balloon endometrial ablation 7 to 10 years postoperatively in a population previously surveyed at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at 1 to 5 years postoperatively. METHODS: Two-hundred fourteen patients were identified who underwent thermal balloon ablation at our institution between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2004. These patients were mailed a 2-page survey asking for information on demographics, patient satisfaction, postoperative bleeding patterns, and the need for subsequent surgery. Satisfaction rates, amenorrhea rates, and the rates of women who required hysterectomy were calculated as percentages. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients returned completed surveys. The survey response rate was 62%, excluding 57 surveys that were returned as undeliverable. The follow-up interval was 93 to 129 months. Eighty-seven percent of respondents were satisfied with the results of their procedure compared with 88% in the original study. Subsequent hysterectomy was required in 21.6% of women after 7 to 10 years compared with 9% after the 1- to 5-year follow-up period. Of the 76 women who did not undergo hysterectomy, 58% reported amenorrhea and 35.5% reported minimal to light bleeding. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a consistently high patient satisfaction rate with thermal balloon ablation at our institution at 7 to 11 years postoperatively compared with 1 to 5 years postoperatively. The hysterectomy rate, however, was 2.4 times greater in the long-term follow-up period.

Achados histeroscópicos na cavidade endometrial após ablação endometrial / Hysteroscopic appearance of the endometrial cavity after endometrial ablation

OBJETIVO: Verificar o aspecto da cavidade uterina após a ablação endometrial histeroscópica, a prevalência de sinéquias após o procedimento e, com isso, avaliar a importância da histeroscopia realizada no pós-operatório dessas pacientes. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os laudos dos exames de 153 pacientes que haviam sido submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial após ablação do endométrio devido a sangramento uterino anormal de causa benigna, no período entre janeiro de 2006 e julho de 2011. As pacientes foram divididas em dois grupos: HIST≤60 (n=90), com pacientes submetidas ao exame no período de 40 a 60 dias após o procedimento, e grupo HIST>60 (n=63), das que foram examinadas entre 61 dias e 12 meses. RESULTADOS: No grupo HIST≤60, 30% das pacientes apresentavam algum grau de sinéquia; aderências grau I foram descritas em 4,4%; grau II em 6,7%; grau IIa em 4,4%; grau III em 7,8%; e 2,2% apresentavam grau IV. No HIST>60, sinéquias foram descritas em 53,9% dos casos, 3,2% tinham sinéquias grau I; 11,1%, grau II; 7,9%, grau IIa; 15,9%, grau III; e 4,8%, grau IV. Hematometra foi descrito em 2,2% dos casos do HIST≤60 e em 6,3% no HIST>60. CONCLUSÕES: A cavidade uterina de pacientes submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial até 60 dias após a ablação endometrial mostrou menor número de sinéquias quando comparada com as cavidades uterinas de pacientes que foram submetidas ao exame após 60 dias. Acompanhamento em longo prazo é necessário para avaliar plenamente o impacto da histeroscopia ambulatorial após a ablação endometrial. .

PURPOSE: To examine the aspect of the uterine cavity after hysteroscopic endometrial ablation, to determine the prevalence of synechiae after the procedure, and to analyze the importance of hysteroscopy during the postoperative period. METHODS: The results of the hysteroscopic exams of 153 patients who underwent outpatient hysteroscopy after endometrial ablation due to abnormal uterine bleeding of benign etiology during the period from January 2006 to July 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: HIST≤60 (n=90) consisting of patients undergoing the exam 40-60 days after the ablation procedure, and the group HIST>60 (n=63) consisting of patients undergoing the exam between 61 days and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: In the HIST≤60 group, 30% of the patients presented some degree of synechiae: synechiae grade I in 4.4% of patients, grade II in 6.7% , grade IIa in 4.4%, grade III in 7.8%, and grade IV in 2.2%. In the HIST>60 group, 53.9% of all cases had synechiae, 3.2% were grade I, 11.1% grade II, 7.9% grade IIa, 15.9% grade III, and 4.8% grade IV. Hematometra was detected in 2.2 % of all cases in group HIST≤60 and in 6.3% of all cases in group HIST>60. CONCLUSIONS: The uterine cavity of the patients submitted to diagnostic hysteroscopy up to 60 days after endometrial ablation showed significantly fewer synechiae compared to the uterine cavity of patients who underwent the exam after 60 days. Long-term follow-up is necessary to fully evaluate the importance of outpatient hysteroscopy after endometrial ablation regarding menstrual patterns, risk of cancer and prevalence of treatment failure. .

Minirressectoscópio de Gubbini / Miniresectoscope of Gubbini

Os instrumentos empregados na histeroscopia cirúrgica experimentaram grandes avanços nos últimos 30 anos e permitiram escolher desde ressectoscópios de 26 e 21 Fr. acoplados a corrente mono ou bipolar até a office hysteroscopy, que contempla o uso de sistemas operatórios de diâmetros semelhantes àqueles empregados na histeroscopia diagnóstica. Essas opções ampliaram e fortaleceram as possibilidades de indicação cirúrgicas, minimizaram riscos e reduziram acentuadamente as contra indicações. A introdução do minirressectoscópio de Gubbini de 16 Fr. na prática histeroscópica permitiu, graças ao seu diâmetro reduzido, a execução de procedimentos ambulatoriais com a técnica de slicing, que aumenta e facilita as possibilidades do see and treat ambulatorial. A funcionalidade do instrumento tem se revelado satisfatória, já que permite a passagem da corrente de mono para bipolar no mesmo ressectoscópio em uso e nas mesmas alças multiuso. A nossa casuística, que compreende 1.350 pacientes e inclui variadas patologias intrauterinas e endocervicais, demonstra uma eficácia de 100% do instrumento, cuja limitação, não categórica, subordina-se aos miomas com diâmetro superior a 3 cm.

The instruments employed in surgical hysteroscopy experienced great advances in the last 30 years, allowing operators to choose from resectoscopes of 26 and 21 fr. coupled with mono or bipolar current, to the use of “office hysteroscopy”, which contemplates the use of operating systems of diameters similar to those employed in diagnostic hysteroscopy. All these options have broadened and strengthened the possibilities of surgical indications, minimizing risk and reducing sharply the contraindications. The introduction of the miniresectoscope of Gubbini of 16 fr. thanks to its reduced diameter, enabled the implementation of outpatient procedures with the technique of “slicing”, increasing andfacilitating the possibilities of “see and treat” outpatient. The functionality of the instrument has proved to be satisfactory as it allows the passage of current from mono to bipolar in the same resectoscope in use and under the same multipurpose handles. Our series,comprising 1,350 patients and including various intrauterine and endocervical pathology, demonstrates an effectiveness of 100% of the instrument, whose limitation, not categorical, is subordinated to the fibroids with diameter greater than 3 cm.