A partially randomized patient preference trial of microwave endometrial ablation using local anaesthesia and intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia: a pilot study

Objective To ascertain whether microwave endometrial ablation under local anaesthesia is feasible in unselected women. Design A partially randomized patient preference pilot study. Setting A large teaching hospital in North-east Scotland. Subjects 98 women who were referred and suitable for endometrial ablation and who agreed to participate after informed consent had been given. Interventions Women were randomly allocated to receive general or local anaesthesia for microwave endometrial ablation, or if they had a strong preference they were allocated to their chosen anaesthesia. All procedures were performed in the theatre setting and on a day case basis. Main outcome measures Acceptability and satisfaction were primarily assessed in each group using validated tools. Operating times, failure under local anaesthesia, postoperative analgesia and postoperative discharge times were also recorded. Results Microwave endometrial ablation under local anaesthesia was feasible in 75% of unselected women. Acceptability was higher in those who chose local anaesthesia. Conclusion Local anaesthesia should be offered to women undergoing microwave endometrial ablation and a randomized controlled trial is a feasible option for assessing prognostic factors and satisfaction.