Study objective: To estimate long-term (>5 yrs) results of endometrial ablation-resection performed in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
Design: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).
Setting: University-affiliated hospital.
Patients: Fifty-five women.
Intervention: Endometrial ablation-resection by electrocoagulation with a rollerball of the uterine fundus and zone of tubal ostia, followed by electrodissection with a cutting loop of the rest of the uterine cavity.
Measurements and main results: At 5 years after the procedure the success rate was 81.8%. Of 10 women in whom the procedure failed, hysterectomy had to be performed in 6 (10.9%) for recurrent AUB. Of 55 patients, 47 were followed for 6 years for a success rate of 85.1%, 36 were followed for 7 years with a success rate of 83.3%, and 20 were followed for 8 or more years with a success rate of 80.0%.
Conclusion: Endometrial ablation-resection achieved a success rate of 81.8% at 5 years, and this percentage remained fairly stable throughout the following 4 years. Taking into account only cases of AUB without other organic pathology, the rate was close to 90%. In women with a relatively large uterus (=10 cm), those with myomas or polyps, and patients with dysmenorrhea, the success rate tends to be lower.