Dragging technique versus blanching technique for endometrial ablation with the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of chronic menorrhagia.

Endometrial ablation performed with the Nd:YAG laser was developed to treat patients with chronic menorrhagia as an alternative to hysterectomy. The original dragging technique may result in an obscured operating field and fluid overload. This study compares results of endometrial ablation performed in 62 patients. The first 17 procedures were performed by use of the dragging technique; the last 45 procedures were performed with a blanching technique. Both procedures were performed at the same institution and by the same surgeon. Sixty-five percent of patients undergoing the blanching technique became amenorrheic after the procedure versus 12% of those undergoing the dragging technique. Moreover, the blanching technique required less time, fewer joules of energy, and resulted in less fluid absorption by the patient. The blanching technique is apparently more effective, easier to accomplish, and safer for the patient than the dragging technique.