
This may require blood transfusion and further surgery. Excessive bleeding from the uterus can occur.This would require treatment with antibiotics. Infection could be introduced into the uterus, tubes or abdominal cavity.This may allow too much fluid in your body and can be serious, causing your hospital stay to be prolonged. In a very few cases, the fluid used to expand your uterus may be absorbed into your bloodstream.There is a risk of damage to adjacent organs, such as bowel or bladder, which may require further corrective surgery. In the event of uterine perforation, the ablation may not go ahead. However, this may require a laparoscopy and/or laparotomy, resulting in a longer hospital stay than expected. In most circumstances this is of no consequence. It is possible to make a small hole in the uterus (uterine perforation).If you have had a previous caesarean birth, an ultrasound may be requested to measure the thickness of the uterine scar, to help decide if it will be safe for you to have an ablation.The procedure may not be able to be completed, due to narrowing of the interior of the cervix.There are some specific risks to be aware of in relation to this operation: What are the risks of undergoing this procedure?Īlthough the risks associated with ablation are minimal, you should be aware that every surgical procedure has some risk. The procedure only takes approximately ten minutes, but you can expect to be in theatre and recovery for a number of hours. This procedure does not involve any cuts or stitches to the abdomen. These include electrical or thermal (heat) ablation. There are several methods that your doctor may choose to burn away the uterine lining.

The cervix is widened (dilated) and a telescope is inserted to look at the inside of your uterus. Your doctor will determine your suitability to have the ablation under local anaesthetic according to your previous obstetric and gynaecological history and the examination findings. The procedure is normally performed under local or general anaesthetic in the operating theatre. If ablation does not control heavy bleeding, further treatment or surgery may be required. How is an ablation performed?Īblation destroys a thin layer of the lining of the uterus. Falling pregnant following an ablation is often complicated with significant risk to the developing baby and may be dangerous for you.Īblation does not affect sexual response. Most women are not able to become pregnant after an ablation therefore, you should not have an endometrial ablation if you may want to become pregnant in the future.Īlthough pregnancy is unlikely after an ablation, you should take measures to avoid a pregnancy until after menopause. Over time, periods usually return so ablation is often not the best option for women who are many years away from menopause (more than ten years). Will I still have periods after an ablation?Ībout one third of women will stop having their periods after an ablation, but most women will have lighter periods. Alternatives would include anti-inflammatory tablets, the oral contraceptive pill, other progesterone preparations, Mirena intra-uterine system, and hysterectomy.

What are the alternatives?Įndometrial ablation is one of several options to manage heavy bleeding. This procedure treats the lining of the uterus to control or stop bleeding without having to remove the uterus. If bleeding does not respond to medication, your doctor may suggest endometrial ablation. Sometimes the bleeding is too much or too long and treatment is needed. The lining of the uterus (endometrium) is shed by bleeding each month during a woman's menstrual period. Endometrial ablation What is an endometrial ablation?Įndometrial ablation is a medical procedure that is used to remove, or destroy, the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
