WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for December, 1999: Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis

Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis

From: Wendy (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 28 Dec 1999 13:48:49 -0600 (CST)

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At Tue, 28 Dec 1999, William D. McIntosh, MD wrote: >
>At Tue, 28 Dec 1999, Wendy wrote:
>>
>> In January I am scheduled
>>to have a laperoscopy, a D&C, and a procedure called endometrial
>>ablation. Has anyone ever heard of an endometrial ablation as a
>>treatment for endometriosis? In all my reading, I have not come across
>>this and wonder if I should reconsider this part of the surgery. As I
>>understand it, the procedure destroys the lining of the uterus. Aside
>>from sterility (I have two children so this is not an issue for me), I
>>am also wondering what long-term side effects there may be.
>>
>>Thank you!
>
>Endometrial ablation is not a treatment for endometriosis, but it is an
>effective treatment for heavy, painful periods. I am going to assume
>that they only suspect that you have endo, as it can only be diagnosed
>for sure by laparoscopy, so the hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation
>are really to evaluate and treat other conditions.
>
>The long term consequences of the endometrial ablation are the absence
>or reduction in the blood flow, sterility, and the failure of the
>proceedure to fix the bleeding. There are no hormonal consequences, you
>cycle as before, though without the bleeding.
>
>--
>William D. McIntosh, MD, FACOG
>Clarksville, TN
>
>This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended
> to replace consultation and examination by your physician
> or other health care provider.
>

Thank you, Dr. McIntosh. I'm glad to hear there are no hormonal issues. How about any increased risk of uterine cancer?

They very STRONGLY suspect endo. I had an ultrasound to rule out fibroids. With the back pain and the bowel pain coming at the same time as my period, they are pretty sure. The doctor did say he would do the lap first, followed by the D&C and lastly the ablation.

I have read that endometrial ablation is not a treatment for endometriosis. That's why I was concerned. As I understand it, he's doing the ablation to treat the heavy bleeding. However, if the bleeding is caused by the endo, won't he ablation be ineffectual? HAve you heard of it actually aggravating endometriosis?

Thanks again! Scared in PA...

Next message: Susan: "Re: Question for Dr. M, Pain & FMS"
Previous message: William D. McIntosh, MD: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
In reply to: William D. McIntosh, MD: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
Next in thread: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
Reply: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"

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