Hysteroscopic Endometrial Ablation at Berkshire Independent 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.

Berkshire Independent Hospital Specialists

Mr William Kuteesa

Mr William Kuteesa is a Consultant Gynaecologist at Berkshire Independent Hospital in Reading
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Dr Shilpa McQuillan

Dr Shilpa is a highly experienced community gynaecologist, women’s health GP, and British Menopause Society accredited menopause specialist. She understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to women’s healthcare- and treatments are personalised and based on gold standard evidence. Dr McQuillan treats women of all ages with conditions such as menopause, perimenopause, bleeding disorders, pelvic pain, hormonal imbalance, vulval & vaginal conditions, and urinary symptoms. She also offers contraception, coils, implants, pessaries, breast checks, cervical screening, blood tests, and lifestyle & nutritional advice.
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Mr Pubudu Pathiraja

Mr Pubudu Pathiraja is a Consultant Gynaecologist in Reading, with a special interest in Gynaecology Oncology
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Mr Alex Swanton

Mr Alex Swanton is a leading Consultant Gynaecologist in Reading, Berkshire who specialises in keyhole surgery.
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Miss Rajee Vijayanand

Miss Rajee Vijayanand is a Consultant Gynaecologist at Berkshire Independent Hospital in Reading.
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Related Treatments

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of the uterus (womb) using a small telescope (hysteroscope).

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Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a minor procedure that uses a microscope to examine your cervix for signs of disease, often if cervical screening has detected abnormal cells in your cervix.

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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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Laparoscopic Sterilisation

A laparoscopic sterilisation is a perminanent method of female contraception involving the blocking of the fallopian tubes.

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Hysteroscopic Endometrial Ablation