Laser ablation of the endometrium.

In summary, the Nd:YAG laser can be used safely and successfully to help women with menorrhagia avoid a hysterectomy. This is important not only for those women who medically are poor candidates but also for those women who for personal reasons do not want to lose their uterus or whose lifestyle will not allow them the time for a hysterectomy. Two basic applications of the laser to the endometrium are the touch and nontouch techniques. Although the nontouch technique appears to carry less risk of fluid overload and postoperative bleeding, it apparently does not decrease menstrual flow as much. Nevertheless, all techniques will allow most patients to avoid hysterectomy.