Hysteroscopic Endometrial Ablation at North Downs Hospital

This webpage will give you information about an endometrial ablation. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What does the Operation Involve?

An endometrial ablation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The operation usually takes about half an hour.

Your gynaecologist will pass a hysteroscope (telescope with operating instruments) through your vagina and cervix into the cavity of your womb and pass fluid through the telescope to swell the womb (see figure 1).

They will use electricity or laser energy to remove the lining of your womb and any polyps or small fibroids they find.

Heavy periods can be treated using a variety of oral medications.

Other alternatives include a hormonal coil.

Most women will experience a noticeable reduction in their periods and, in some cases, periods stop altogether.

An endometrial ablation has fewer complications and a quicker recovery time than a hysterectomy.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Feeling or being sick
Bleeding or discharge
Infection
Blood clots

Specific early complications of this operation

Bleeding during the procedure
Fluid overload
Making a hole in the womb
Failed procedure
Haematometra
Blood and fluid collecting in the fallopian tubes
Continued bleeding or pain

An endometrial ablation is an operation to remove the lining (endometrium) of the uterus (womb).

You should be able to go home the same day.

You should be able to return to normal activities after two to four days. Most women are fit for work after about a week.

You should expect to have some bleeding or discharge for up to six weeks after the operation.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The operation is not recommended for women who still want children.

However, even if your periods stop, there is still a risk of you becoming pregnant.

North Downs Hospital Specialists

Miss Heather Allen-Coward

Miss Heather Allen-Coward is a Consultant Gynaecologist in Caterham, Surrey who specialises in endometriosis and pelvic pain.
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Mr Sumit Kar

Mr Sumit Kar is a Consultant Gynaecologist at North Downs Hospital, Caterham
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Mr Sahathevan Sathiyathasan

Mr Sahathevan Sathiyathasan is a Consultant Gynaceologist in Surrey who specialises in Gynaceology.
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Miss Sharmila Sivarajan

Miss Sharmila Sivarajan ia a Consultant Gynaecologist in Caterham, Surrey
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Related Treatments

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your womb (uterus) and, possibly one or both of your fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is performed to treat conditions that affect your reproductive system when other treatments haven’t worked.

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Menopause Management

Treatments to manage Menopause.

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Reproductive health

Specialty concerned with assisting men's or women's reproductive health.

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Hysteroscopic Endometrial Ablation