"Rollerball" ablation of the endometrium

Menorrhagia was treated with the "rollerball" method for five years, 1988-1993, in 200 patients. All the patients were evaluated and treated at Kaiser-Permanente facilities in northern California. All patients were candidates for hysterectomy based on excessive bleeding from benign conditions. The procedures were done on an out-patient basis. Complications were minimal, with a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. Relief was achieved in 90% of patients. Eight patients required repeat ablations. Of those, one required hysterectomy. Ten patients had hysterectomies following rollerball ablation. The data add to the growing opinion that endometrial ablation ("rollerball") is an economical, effective method of treating menorrhagia without resorting to hysterectomy.