"Rollerball" coagulation of the endometrium.

Abstract

Menorrhagia was the primary complaint of 50 patients treated by "rollerball" electrocoagulation of the endometrium. All the patients in this series had failed surgical (D & C) and/or medical therapy and all had refused hysterectomy. The electrocoagulation was performed on an outpatient basis. Complications have been minimal with follow-up varying from 6-22 months. Amenorrhea was achieved in ten of the 25 women who were followed for at least 12 months. An additional ten patients have had monthly spotting and five have had light bleeding. None of the patients noted a return of their menorrhagia. In the other 25 patients bleeding could not be evaluated, as all received medroxyprogesterone after their ablation. The preliminary results suggest that "rollerball" electrocoagulation is a safe, economical, and effective method of eliminating or reducing menorrhagia.