Balloon endometrial ablation as a safe alternative to hysterectomy

Each year, 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States, costing an estimated $4 billion. Approximately 50% of these hysterectomies are performed for menorrhagia or abnormal uterine bleeding. Menorrhagia can have a negative impact on a woman's lifestyle and self-perception, often leading her to seek definitive treatment. Pharmacologic treatment for menorrhagia is not always successful, and dilatation and curettage provides relief for only the first few menstrual cycles. Surgical options include hysterectomy and two forms of endometrial ablation. Current research demonstrates that thermal uterine balloon therapy is the safest of these options. Uterine balloon therapy, an outpatient procedure, has resulted in successful reduction in menstrual flow in 70% to 90% of patients, and it soon may be performed as an office-based procedure.