Endometrial ablation repeat procedures. Case studies

Of 143 women who underwent endometrial ablation from May 1986 through August 1991, 16 requested repeat endometrial ablation and 7 underwent hysterectomy. Only two of the hysterectomies were performed for bleeding, and no hysterectomy was needed for any woman who had a repeat endometrial ablation. For patients undergoing one ablation, the results were amenorrhea in 55 women (38%), staining in 32 (22%), light flow in 33 (23%), 7 hysterectomies (5%) and 16 patients requesting repeat endometrial ablation (11%). Repeat endometrial ablation resulted in amenorrhea in 10 women (63%), staining in 3 (19%) and light flow in 3 (19%). Repeat endometrial ablation can eliminate the need for hysterectomy in women who continue to have bleeding problems after one endometrial ablation. Gynecologists should not hesitate to offer repeat ablation since the results will usually be excellent.