Microwave and thermal balloon ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review

Objective To compare the effectiveness of two second generation endometrial ablation techniques ( microwave and thermal balloon endometrial ablation) with first generation techniques of endometrial ablation to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Library ( issue 3, 2002), the National Research Register, MEDLINE ( 1966 to August 2002), Embase ( 1980 to August 2002) and Web of Science Proceedings ( all years). We also searched reference lists and contacted experts and manufacturers in the field. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials and controlled trials of microwave endometrial ablation and thermal balloon endometrial ablation versus transcervical resection and rollerball ablation, alone or in combination, to treat heavy menstrual bleeding were included. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion and extracted data. As there was considerable clinical and methodological heterogeneity among the studies, meta-analysis was not undertaken and results are presented descriptively. Results Two randomised controlled trials of microwave endometrial ablation and eight trials ( six randomised controlled trials) of thermal balloon endometrial ablation were included in the review. No significant differences were found between first and second generation techniques in terms of amenorrhoea, bleeding patterns, pre-menstrual symptoms, patient satisfaction or quality of life. Microwave endometrial ablation and thermal balloon endometrial ablation had significantly shorter operating and theatre times than first generation techniques. Adverse effects were few with all techniques, but there were fewer peri-operative adverse effects with second generation techniques. Conclusion Microwave endometrial ablation and thermal balloon endometrial ablation are alternatives to first generation techniques for treating heavy menstrual bleeding. No head-to-head trials of microwave endometrial ablation and thermal balloon endometrial ablation have been undertaken and there is not yet enough evidence of differences in clinical effectiveness between these two techniques.