A randomized study comparing levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) and transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE) in the treatment of menorrhagia: preliminary results

Objective To identify the effect of the levonorgestrel coil (Mirena; LNG IUS) vs, transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE) for treatment of menorrhagia. Design A randomized study of 60 patients performed at a gynaecological clinic specializing in operative hysteroscopy. Results 24 patients in the LNG IUS group and 29 patients in the TCRE group completed 20 months of follow up. In the TCRE group one patient refused to continue after the result of randomization. Reasons for discontinuation in the LNG IUS group included abdominal pain (2), acne (1) and bleeding or continuous spotting (3). The bleeding intensity was assessed using the PBAC score and was reduced in both groups, from 418 to 42 in the LNG IUS group, and from 378 to 6.6 in the TCRE group. Conclusion Both methods have a dramatic effect on bleeding intensity and furthermore the LNG IUS is reversible and has no operative hazards or side-effects.