Factors influencing the outocme after endometrial laser ablation: A review of 600 cases

Abstract

A consecutive series of 524 patients who had undergone 600 endometrial laser ablations (ELA) were surveyed by mailed questionnaire to determine their response to the procedure. Five hundred one (96%) of the women replied. No major operative morbidity had occurred. The mean duration of follow-up was 15 months (range 6 to 42 months). The absolute amenorrhea rate was only 29%, but in 95% the volume of bleeding was significantly reduced. The frequency of menstruation was reduced in 37% of the patients and unaltered in the remainder. The majority (83%) expressed satisfaction with the medium term outcome. The principal reason for dissatisfaction was persistent menstrual pain. Reported success increased with increasing patient age but was not influenced by uterine size or operating time. ELA in correctly selected cases is a safe and effective treatment for menorrhagia.