ABSTRACT

The authors, while having significant experience with resectoscopic methods of endometrial ablation such as rollerball and resection, initially like all other surgeons had limited experience with thermal ablative techniques. There was initial skepticism that balloon or other heated-fluid systems would be able to achieve the success rates seen with endometrial ablation using the resectoscope or laser. However, at this point, significant experience has been gained with a number of heated-fluid systems and early misgivings have given way to results that seem to be comparable to standard hysteroscopic techniques. The ease, simplicity, shortness of procedure and possibly decreased risk has caused many surgeons to re-evaluate incorporation of these types of techniques into the surgical armamentarium. While all patients may not be appropriate for these techniques, the majority of patients on whom we would perform a standard hysteroscopic procedure will be candidates.