Tactile Electrosurgical Ablation: A Technique for the Treatment of Intractable Heavy and Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

TL;DR

Tactile electrosurgical ablation (TEA) is a quick and effective treatment for severe, uncontrolled menstrual bleeding that doesn't respond to other therapies.

Contribution

This study introduces TEA as a novel, safe, and effective emergency treatment for intractable abnormal uterine bleeding.

Findings

TEA stopped bleeding immediately in 18 out of 19 cases.

The procedure was well accepted and completed in 6–10 minutes without complications.

Long-term outcomes included amenorrhea in 9 cases and reduced bleeding in others.

Abstract

Objective. To study the efficacy and safety of tactile electrosurgical ablation (TEA) in stopping a persistent attack of abnormal uterine bleeding not responding to medical and hormonal therapy. Methods. This is a case series of 19 cases with intractable abnormal uterine bleeding, who underwent TEA at the Women's Health Center of Assiut University. The outcomes measured were; patient's acceptability, operative time, complications, menstrual outcomes, and reintervention. Results. None of the 19 counseled cases refused the TEA procedure which took 6–10 minutes without intraoperative complications. The procedure was successful in the immediate cessation of bleeding in 18 out of 19 cases. During the 24-month follow-up period, 9 cases developed amenorrhea, 5 had scanty menstrual bleeding, 3 were regularly menstruating, 1 case underwent repeat TEA ablation, and one underwent a hysterectomy. Conclusions. TEA represents a safe, inexpensive, and successful method for management of uterine bleeding emergencies with additional long-term beneficial effects. However, more studies with more cases and longer follow-up periods are warranted.

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