In-Office Endometrial Ablation

Drawing of a uterus with balloon in place for endometrial ablation

More than 1 in 5 women suffer from heavy periods. The Gynecare Thermachoice Uterine Balloon Therapy (UBT) in office endometrial ablation can help end heavy periods. No pills, no hormones, no incisions, just a simple in office treatment using the Gynecare Thermachoice UBT System.

Gynecare Thermachoice basic facts:

• Minimally invasive treatment that can be performed in our office under local anesthesia (the cervix will be numbed but you will be conscious for the procedure).
• Most women go back to their normal daily routine in just 1 day.
• Highly effective treatment. Five years after treatment, approximately 95% of women studied had normal, light, or even no periods at all.
• Approximately 75% of women studied experienced no mentrual pain or cramping.
• Gynecare Thermachoice endometrial ablation is covered by many insurance plans.
• Ablates (destroys) the endometrium (uterine lining) to control excessive bleeding due to benign causes in women who don’t wish to become pregnant.
• Most common sides effects include vaginal discharge, cramping, nausea, and vomiting.
• As with all procedures of this type, there is a risk of injury to the uterus and surrounding tissues.
• Endometrial ablation is NOT a possibility for women who are, or wish to become, pregnant, as the uterus will not be capable of nurturing a pregnancy after being ablated.

To find out if you are a candidate for in office endometrial ablation, ask your doctor the following questions:

• Could the Gynecare Thermachoice endometrial ablation relieve my heavy periods?
• What should I expect during and after the procedure?
• What other options are available and what are the associated risks?

Gynecare Thermachoice Uterine Balloon Therapy System Information

INDICATIONS: The Gynecare Thermachoice UBT System is a thermal balloon ablation device intended to ablate the endometrial lining of the uterus in premenopausal women with menorrhagia (excessive uterine bleeding) due to benign causes for whom childbearing is complete.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: The device is contraindicated for a patient: with known or suspected endometrial carcinoma (uterine cancer) or premalignant change of the endometrium, such as unresolved adenomatous hyperplasia; with any anatomic or pathologic condition which weakness of the myometrium could exist, such as a history of previous classical cesarean sections or transmural myomectomy; with active genital or urinary tract infection at the time of the procedure (i.e., cervicitis, vaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis, or cystitis); with an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) currently in place; or who is pregnant or who wants to become pregnant in the future.

POTENTIAL ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS that may occur include: rupture of the uterus; thermal injury to adjacent tissue; heated liquid escaping into the vascular spaces and/or cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and abdominal cavity; electrical burn; hemorrhage; infection or sepsis; perforation; post-ablation tubal sterilization syndrome; complications leading to serious injury or death; complications with pregnancy (Note: pregnancy following ablation is dangerous to both the mother and the fetus); and risks associated with hysteroscopy.

WARNINGS: Failure to follow all instructions or to heed any warnings or precautions could result in serious patient injury. If a perforation is present, and the procedure is not terminated, thermal injury to adjacent tissue may occur if the heater is activated.

CAUTION: Endometrial ablation procedures using the Gynecare Thermachoice UBT System should be performed only by medical professionals who have experience performing procedures within the uterine cavity, such as IUCD insertion or dilation and curettage (D&C), and who have adequate training and familiarity with the Gynecare Thermachoice UBT System.