Originally published February 21 2006
New procedure gaining support among women who don't want to undergo hysterectomies
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
MedicalNewsToday.com looks at a recent Wall Street Journal article about endometrial ablation, an alternative to hysterectomies, which is growing in popularity among women because it is less invasive.
The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday examined endometrial ablation -- a procedure in which the uterine lining is removed by various methods such as using radio frequency waves to "vaporize" the lining or heating it so that the lining "sloughs off over a few days" -- as a less-invasive and increasingly popular alternative to hysterectomy.
According to the Journal, endometrial ablation, which is performed on women who experience excessive menstrual bleeding, generally is an outpatient procedure that is done under general or local anesthesia.
At least five new endometrial ablation methods have been approved by FDA since 1997, and the efficacy of the procedures varies.
About 90% of women who undergo the procedure no longer menstruate or have a "significant reduction in blood flow," the Journal reports.
Physicians say the results might not be permanent because the unterine lining can regenerate.
Women who later might want to become pregnant should not undergo endometrial ablation because fertility is "significantly" reduced after the procedure, according to the Journal.
However, the continued use of contraceptives is still recommended after undergoing the procedure because they still can conceive.
Physicians say the risks of miscarriage or pregnancy complications significantly could increase for those who do conceive after endometrial ablation.
The procedure costs between $2,000 and $4,000 and is covered by most insurance plans (Johannes, Wall Street Journal, 1/10).
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