Photodynamic endometrial ablation for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding: a preliminary report
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Published on: July 16, 2020
Andrea F Degen1, Tanja Gabrecht, Laurent Mosimann
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
Background And Objectives:
To evaluate feasibility and functional effects of photodynamic endometrial ablation (PEA) in patients.
Study Design/Patients And Methods:
A total of 15 PEAs has been performed in 11 patients using topically applied 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) solutions and a balloon-light diffuser (160 J/cm(2), 635 nm). Uterine bleeding intensity has been determined on a daily basis 3 months prior to and up to 6 months after endometrial ablation using an analogous scale scoring from 1 (spotting) to 6 U (severe bleeding). Statistical analysis by unpaired Student's t-test.
Results:
The mean number of bleeding units per cycle (n = 44) was 35.7 prior to PEA. The decrease in bleeding units was significant for the months 1-3 (24.4 U per cycle; P = 0.03), but not for the months 4-6 (25.9 U; P = 0.11) following PEA.
Conclusions:
PEA is feasible and provides a significant short-term reduction of uterine bleeding.
