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.
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.