What is Thermachoice Endometrial Ablation?
You may be able to Stop Your Flow NOW!
Did you know that approximately one in five menstruating women experience debilitatingly heavy or irregular menstrual flow ? Traditionally, treatment for such a condition required medical management with hormone therapy or hysterectomy and in fact one of every three hysterectomies in the U.S are done for abnormal menstrual flow. The most common treatment is currently hysterectomy but now there is a much less invasive, outpatient treatment designed to treat the condition with minimal side effects and down time. That is the new ThermaChoice Uterine Balloon Ablation.
As opposed to removing the entire uterus, the hot ablation procedure just destroys the inner lining of the uterus by the use of heat. This can be very effective for the control or dissolution of menstrual flow.
Expectations for the ablation generally are quite good. In the literature, 40% of patients will immediately stop their menstruation all together and the remainder 60% of patients treated with ablation will have a very diminished flow to very light or mild bleeding. In fact, the majority of this group of patients after 6-12 months can expect to have cessation of menstruation as well. There can never be a guarantee that one will not menstruate ever again so endometrial ablation should be thought of as a treatment to significantly reduce the flow and duration and quantity of bleeding during your menstruation...with a significant portion of those treated having cessation of menstruation. Clinical data has shown that as few 15% of patients may not respond to ThermaChoice therapy and they may require additional treatment.
Am I a candidate for ThermaChoice?
Yes, so long as you have a normal uterine biopsy, normal pap smear, no large fibroids within the lining of the uterus, no infection and no desire for pregnancy in the future.
How does ThermaChoice work?
First, a soft, flexible balloon attached to a thin catheter (tube) is inserted into the vagina, through the cervix and placed gently into the uterus. Then the balloon is expanded with a sterile fluid which expands to fit the size and shape of your uterus.
The fluid in the balloon is heated to 188 F and maintained for 8 minutes while the uterine lining is treated. When the treatment cycle is complete, all the fluid is withdrawn from the balloon and the catheter is removed. Nothing stays in your uterus.
Your uterine lining has been treated and will slough off like a period in the next 7-10 days.
Can I get pregnant after treatment?
This therapy should not considered birth control because one could potential become pregnant afterwards if contraception is not utilized. A pregnancy after and ablation would most likely be unhealthy for the mother and the fetus alike.
What will I feel during the procedure?
In our office, we have a board certified anesthesiologist who will provide your anesthesia and your general care before, during and after the procedure. You will essentially sleep through the procedure. Usually an extra strength NSAID similar to ibuprofen is provided as well. After the procedure you may also be given a mild sedative and pain medicines to help you relax and for the next few days of cramping.
What will I feel after the procedure?
You may feel moderate cramping like a menstrual period, and if needed, your doctor will give you a mild medication to make you feel more comfortable. After 1-4 hours in the recovery room, you should arrange to be driven home where you can take it easy for the rest of the day.
What can I expect after I go home?
Most women can return to work and family commitments by the next day or so. I usually recommend no sexual activity, tampons, soaking in a bath tub or swimming pool for approximately 7-14d after the procedure. . Most patients have a pinkish and watery discharge for about 2 - 4 weeks. At times the menstrual cycles for a few months after may be heavy still but they will taper down typically though a frequent pattern is for the menses to immediately be light or absent.
What about signs and symptoms of potential complications after the procedure?
As with any surgery there are risks that can take place but are very rare. Certainly you should call your physician if any signs of heavy bleeding, malodorous vaginal discharge or greenish discharge, fevers, severe nausea/vomiting or abdominal distension, difficulty voiding or having a bowel movement.
If you are interested in learning more about this procedure or you have menstruation that is heavy, prolonged, interfering with your daily activities or causing symptoms from anemia you may well be an excellent candidate for this minimal downtime effective therapy! Let us know if we can help.