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

Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 28 Dec 1999 21:20:48 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
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Reply: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"

At Tue, 28 Dec 1999, Wendy wrote: >
>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?

It won't increase it but may, in the future, mask the appearance of it.

>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,

It isn't. But if the bleeding is hormonal or from fibroids, the ablation probably won't help.

>won't he ablation be ineffectual? HAve
>you heard of it actually aggravating endometriosis?

No.

HSM

>Thanks again!
>Scared in PA...

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
and/or interventions.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Does this seem like a bladder infection?"
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: pull out medical/pharmaceutical books - fever/progestin"
In reply to: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
Next in thread: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
Reply: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"

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