Prediction of endometrial ablation success according to perioperative findings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine which factors in the perioperative period influence the success of endometrial ablation in alleviating menorrhagia.

STUDY

DESIGN

We performed a retrospective chart review of 120 women aged 27 to 49 years who underwent endometrial ablation after 2 months of preoperative treatment with danazol (Danocrine, 800 mg/d orally) or leuprolide (Lupron, 3.75 mg in one intramuscular injection each month). Patients who required medical management or additional operations to control the vaginal bleeding during follow-up (median follow-up, 37 weeks) were considered to have ablation failures.

RESULTS

Sixty-three percent of patients (76/120) had a successful procedure. The chance of success was greater if a cavity of normal appearance was found (odds ratio, 2.3; P =.04). The finding of an intramural fibroid before the procedure resulted in a reduced trend toward success (odds ratio, 0.4; P =.06). The use of danazol pretreatment improved the rate of success overall (odds ratio, 2.2; P =.05) and especially among women <40 years old (P =.01)

CONCLUSION

Perioperative findings may provide useful information in counseling patients regarding endometrial ablation. Success is greater among patients with a normal intrauterine cavity and after preoperative treatment with danazol.