Patient satisfaction following transcervical resection of the endometrium

Menorrhagia affects 20-30% of healthy women, many of whom undergo hysterectomy. In recent years, transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE) has become an alternative surgical option. This observational study assesses patient satisfaction following TCRE. The case notes of 55 patients who had a TCRE in the Coombe Womens' Hospital, Dublin, in 1992 were reviewed. Patients were sent a postal questionnaire at an interval ranging from 3 to 15 months post TCRE. 49 patients responded, of whom 76% were satisfied with TCRE. Thirty one per cent experienced amenorrhoea, 55% hypomenorrhoea, and 14% had no change in menstrual blood loss. Twenty two per cent required subsequent treatment. The complication rate was 11% (2 uterine perforations, 3 endometritis, 1 laparoscopic wound infection). We conclude that TCRE is an effective and safe treatment for menorrhagia, and is associated with a high rate of patient satisfaction.