Endometrial Ablation Procedure And Its Risks
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Endometrial ablation is one of several types of fibroid surgery. This procedure can be recommended by a doctor if you bleed between your periods, have a heavy menstrual flow, or have periods that last a long time.
Different Types of Endometrial Ablation Procedure
During this procedure a doctor doesnāt make any surgical cuts. Instead, he/she uses very thin tools to reach your uterus. There are several types of endometrial ablation:
- Hydrothermal, when fluids are pumped into the uterus and then heated. This destroys your uterine lining after 10 minutes.
- Balloon therapy is the type of endometrial ablation when a doctor uses a thin tube with a special balloon at the end which is placed in your vagina. The doctor fills the balloon with heated fluids; after that, the balloon expands and breaks up the lining.
- High-energy radio waves: during this procedure, a uterus is expanded with an electrical mesh that damages the lining of the uterus, which is removed by suction after that.
- Freezing: this is a procedure of freezing the lining of a uterus by using a thin probe with a very cold tip.
- Microwave: the uterine lining is destroyed using a special wand that applies microwave energy.
- Electrical: this type of procedure involves the use of electric current to destroy the lining of the uterus.
ā Related: How to diagnose uterine fibroids
Recovery After Endometrial Ablation
In most cases, recovery after the procedure is quite fast. Women return to their usual lives after a week. There is a chance of having spasms and bleeding within the first days after endometrial ablation. Also, sometimes you may have a watery or bloody discharge for up to 3 weeks after the procedure.
It is not recommended to have sex or use tampons for a few days after endometrial ablation.
Endometrial Ablation: Risks During And After The Procedure
There is a small chance of infection or bleeding, as with any surgical procedure. The tools used by your doctor could also create a hole in your uterus, cause burns or harm nearby organs.
You can find many endometrial ablation reviews on the Internet. Make sure you know and understand all the methods of treating uterine fibroids. When it comes to endometrial ablation, it is not a cure for fibroids; in fact, it only addresses the bleeding that is caused by fibroids (not fibroids directly), which means that you will likely require an additional procedure in the future to address the underlying cause of your symptoms.
If you would like a second opinion before deciding what procedure is best for you, make an appointment with Dr. John Lipman by calling Atlanta Fibroid Center at 770-953-2600 or book an appointment online.