Endometrial ablation is a procedure where the lining of the uterus is destroyed to control or stop bleeding. It is a good option for women who have heavy periods when medication has not helped. It does not remove the uterus or affect your hormones. There are several methods of endometrial ablation, and the complications can be specific to the method. Overall, the risks are low but can be serious. The chance of complications decreases if your doctor is more experienced in the method chosen for the procedure.
Perforation Of the Uterus
Perforation of the uterus is when a hole is punctured through the uterine wall. This is always a risk whenever something is inserted into the uterus. Perforation of the uterine wall can lead to injury of the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis, which could require surgical repair.
Hemorrhage
There is a risk of too much blood loss, or hemorrhage, after endometrial ablation. Some discharge mixed with blood is expected after the procedure. However, any unusual bleeding should be reported to your doctor.
Infection
All instruments used during an endometrial ablation are sterilized prior to the procedure. Even so, there is a risk of infection when something is inserted inside the body. Infection of the pelvis is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease is painful but easily treated with antibiotics.
Risk of Burns
Heat is used to destroy the lining of the uterus in most ablation methods via a heated balloon, heated fluid, or a probe producing heat and radiofrequency or microwave energy. There is a risk of burns to the vagina, vulva (the external genitalia), bowel, and other areas near the procedure site.
Complications Due to Excess Fluid
Fluid is inserted into your uterus prior to the ablation procedure so that your uterus can be seen more easily by ultrasound. There is a risk that this fluid could be absorbed into your bloodstream, causing embolism (an air bubble in your blood) or burns to surrounding tissue. To prevent this from happening, the amount of fluid used is carefully monitored during the procedure.
Undiagnosed Uterine Cancer
Because the lining of your uterus is destroyed during an ablation, it is difficult to get a sample of it in the future. Without a sample from the uterine wall, it may be more difficult for your health care provider to diagnose uterine cancer.
