Cryoablation has been reported as an effective treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding in the short term, but longer-term data have been lacking. New data from Raffaele Bruno, MD, and a research team at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA, indicate that cryoabalation is also effective into the second year after treatment.

The group followed a cohort of 112 women who underwent cryoablation. Clinicians used a modified technique based on the size of the uterus. The freeze pattern was 7 x 7 for uteri less than 9 cm and 7 x 7 x 4 for larger organs. 

The entire cohort of 112 women returned for 1-year follow-up and 106 returned for a 2-year evaluation. The patients were assessed for bleeding status and any adverse events associated with treatment.

At the 1-year follow-up, 92% of patients reported successful results, either achieving eumenorrhea or improved bleeding patterns. At the 2-year mark, 90% of women reported similar success. Just under half of patients, 47%, reported either amenorrhea or spotting during the 2-year assessment. Only 10 patients reported treatment failure, six of whom underwent hysterectomy without complications. The other four women declined further treatment.

Bruno R, Hurd JK, Soto-Wright V, McLellan R. Two-year continuous effects of endometrial cryoablation for the treatment of menometrorrhagia. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;105(4 suppl):65S.