Hysterectomy alternatives
Advance Endometrial Ablation can be a great alternative to a hysterectomy. For patients suffering from non-cancerous condition, endometrial ablation is a safe and gentle minimally invasive procedure that can treat certain gynecological procedures while preserving the uterus. If you have been told you need a hysterectomy, there may be other options! Schedule a consultation with the Sholes Center for Women’s Health to see if endometrial ablation may be a solution for you!
When is hysterectomy the right solution?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where the entire uterus is removed. Typically, a hysterectomy is the most appropriate solution if the have been diagnosed with uterine cancer. If you do not have cancer but are suffering from a different gynecological condition, a hysterectomy should generally be the last treatment option. Due to its minimally invasive nature, it would be beneficial to consider endometrial ablation as treatment option.
The following gynecological conditions can be treated without a hysterectomy:
- Fibroids- abnormal non-cancerous growths that form in the uterine muscle.
- Polyps- non-cancerous growths of the lining of the uterus (endometrium)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)- hormonal imbalance
- Endometriosis- a condition in which endometrial tissue (the tissue that normally lines the walls of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
- Adenomyosis- condition in which the endometrial glands grow into the muscle of the uterus.
- Irregular bleeding – heavy, irregular, or long-lasting periods that interfere with daily life.
How is a hysterectomy different from Advanced Endometrial Ablation?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire uterus is removed while endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure in which the endometrium (hormone sensitive lining of the uterus) is gently removed. Hysterectomy is a more invasive surgical procedure and therefore comes with more risk of related or further complications. Advanced endometrial Ablation is a gentle and safe way to relieve period pain and other gynecological conditions without having to go through an invasive procedure. It is important to note that both procedures prevent your ability to become pregnant, so you should only consider either option if you are no longer child bearing.
What is Advanced Endometrial Ablation?
Advanced Endometrial Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure in which the hormone sensitive uterine lining (endometrium) is removed using small approved surgical tools that easily pass through the cervix. This quick procedure results in a complete stop or lightening of monthly periods and freedom from PMS symptoms.
Dr. Sholes will use one of the following techniques to perform the procedure:
- Cryoablation- method using extremely cold temperatures to freeze the lining of the uterus
- Radiofrequency ablation- method using electrical current form radio waved to deaden the lining of the uterus
- Hydrothermal ablation- method using heated fluids that are pumped into the uterus to deaden the lining
Endometrial ablation is a quick and painless solution to many gynecological conditions that have historically been treated with major surgeries like a hysterectomy. Because the procedure is minimally invasive and requires no incisions, recover time for the endometrial ablation is quick and you can be back on your feet the next day. At the Sholes Center for Women’s Health, we specialize in the treatment of heavy and irregular bleeding and painful periods through endometrial ablation. Dr. Sholes takes the time to find the right solution to whatever gynecological problem you may be facing and performs every procedure with experience and care. Dr. Sholes takes care to provide you with the most effective and painless solution possible so you can return to normal life and daily activities in no time!
Contact Us
Call our office and make a consultation appointment today so that we can determine if endometrial ablation is the right answer for you! Please do note that after an endometrial ablation, you will be unable to get pregnant. This procedure is only appropriate for women who have completed child-bearing.