NovaSure bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation: report of 200 cases.

OBJECTIVE

To review the perioperative complications and short-term outcome in women undergoing endometrial ablation for menorrhagia using the NovaSure bipolar radiofrequency impedance-controlled system.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study of endometrial ablation using the NovaSure system in 200 women with menorrhagia not amenable to medical management.

RESULTS

Of the 200 women treated, 146 have been observed for 1 to 4 years with the following outcomes related to menstrual bleeding: amenorrhea 43.1%, light bleeding 41.8%, normal bleeding 4.1%, and heavy bleeding 11%. Twelve of the 146 women (8.2%) required repeat surgical treatment: hysterectomy in 10 cases and repeat ablation in 2. In the 200 cases, 1 laparoscopy was performed because of uterine perforation at the time of pretreatment hysteroscopy, and 2 patients required antibiotic therapy for postoperative endomyometritis. Of the women observed for 1 to 4 years, 81.5% felt the procedure was successful, and 97.3% would recommend the procedure to a friend.

CONCLUSION

Endometrial ablation using the NovaSure system is a simple technique in the normal uterine cavity, which can be performed under local anaesthesia and conscious sedation. The complication rate is low, and the short-term satisfaction and results are good.