Endometrial ablation is a medical procedure used to treat women with heavy menstrual bleeding. The treatment involves removing a thin layer of the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, which typically stops or reduces menstrual flow. There are a number of different approaches to endometrial ablation.
Radiofrequency
One of the fastest methods of endometrial ablation involves the use of radiofrequency waves. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a special probe inserted into the uterus automatically expands and sends out short waves of energy and heat destroying the endometrium. A suction device is then used to remove the dead uterine lining. MayoClinic.com notes that this is largely an automated process that takes only 80 to 90 seconds to complete.
Microwave
Another fast method of endometrial ablation employs microwaves that heat up the lining of the uterus. According to MayoClinic.com, a doctor moves a small wand around the uterus until the endometrial tissue is between 167 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. It generally takes between 1 and 4 minutes for the microwaves to destroy the uterine lining.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation is a technique that uses extreme cold or freezing to remove the lining of the uterus. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a doctor inserts a probe through the vagina and into the uterus. The thermal reading of the probe is then adjusted to an extremely low temperature. After approximately 10 to 20 minutes, the probe then freezes and destroys the endometrium.
Heated Balloon
Some endometrial ablations are performed with the aid of a balloon. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a balloon is inserted into the uterus with the aid of an hysteroscope--a thin telescopic device that helps the doctor see inside the woman's uterus throughout the procedure. The balloon is then inflated using saline fluid heated to approximately 188.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the balloon expands to the point that its edges are resting on the uterine lining, the doctor waits approximately 30 minutes until the heat destroys the endometrium.
Hot Fluid
Another type of endometrial ablation involves the use of circulating hot fluid within the uterus. Saline that is between 176 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit is injected into the uterus using a mechanical scope. Within approximately 10 minutes, the heated saline fluid destroys the endometrium. According to MayoClinic.com, this type of procedure is painful but effective in removing all of the uterine lining.
Electrosurgery
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that one of the less common approaches to endometrial ablation is electrosurgery. A doctor uses a fiber optic device with a ball or loop on the tip called a resectoscope to cut into the uterine lining. This is a formal operation requiring general anesthesia, and it generally takes about 10 minutes to complete.
