OPINION: Endometrial ablation versus supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy or similar procedures: There is no hierarchy and the choice of operation should be left to women.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Clark, T. Justin
- Source
- BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Jan2024, Vol. 131 Issue 2, p231-232. 2p.
- Subject
- *ENDOMETRIAL ablation techniques
*HYSTERECTOMY
*MENORRHAGIA
*MYOMECTOMY
*LAPAROSCOPIC surgery
*SATISFACTION
- Language
- ISSN
- 1470-0328
The article discusses the surgical options available for women with heavy menstrual bleeding who do not have (pre)malignant disease or large fibroids. The prevailing view that endometrial ablation should be the preferred surgical option is challenged, as satisfaction rates are higher with hysterectomy. The HEALTH trial compared laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) with endometrial ablation and found that LSH was more effective, with greater satisfaction and improvements in quality of life. However, LSH had longer recovery times and higher pain scores in the first 2 weeks following surgery. Women should be informed about both procedures and make a decision based on their preferences and the relative advantages and disadvantages. The notion that hysterectomy is a "last resort" should be abandoned. [Extracted from the article]