NovaSure Bipolar Radiofrequency Endometrial Ablation: Report of 200 Cases

Objective: To review the perioperative complications and short-term outcome in women undergoing endometrial ablation for menorrhagia using the NovaSure bipolar radiofrequency impedance-controlled system. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of endometrial ablation using the NovaSure system in 200 women with menorrhagia not amenable to medical management. Results: Of the 200 women treated, 146 have been observed for 1 to 4 years with the following outcomes related to menstrual bleeding: amenorrhea 43.1%, light bleeding 41.8%, normal bleeding 4.1%, and heavy bleeding 11%. Twelve of the 146 women (8.2%) required repeat surgical treatment: hysterectomy in 10 cases and repeat ablation in 2. In the 200 cases, 1 laparoscopy was performed because of uterine perforation at the time of pretreatment hysteroscopy, and 2 patients required antibiotic therapy for postoperative endomyometritis. Of the women observed for 1 to 4 years, 81.5% felt the procedure was successful, and 97.3% would recommend the procedure to a friend. Conclusion: Endometrial ablation using the NovaSure system is a simple technique in the normal uterine cavity, which can be performed under local anaesthesia and conscious sedation. The complication rate is low, and the short-term satisfaction and results are good.