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

Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis

From: William D. McIntosh, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 28 Dec 1999 13:28:28 -0600 (CST)

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Reply: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"

At Tue, 28 Dec 1999, Wendy wrote: >
>I've recently been diagnosed with endometriosis after a year and a half
>of painful periods with heavy bleeding and excruciating bowel movements.
>I've been doing a lot of research over the past several weeks and am
>familiar with the common surgical treatments. 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.

Next message: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
Previous message: Elizabeth: "pull out medical/pharmaceutical books - fever/progestin"
In reply to: Wendy: "endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
Next in thread: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"
Reply: Wendy: "Re: endometrial ablation and endometriosis"

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