A randomised comparison of microwave endometrial ablation with transcervical resection of the endometrium: follow up at a minimum of 10 years

Abstract

Objective To compare outcomes and further operations at a minimum of 10 years following microwave endometrial ablation (MEA^TM) or transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE). Design Follow up of a randomised controlled trial using postal questionnaires and operative databank review. Setting Gynaecology department of a large UK teaching hospital. Main outcome measures Women’s satisfaction with treatment, menstrual symptoms, changes in health‐related quality of life, and additional treatments received. Results One‐hundred and eighty‐nine of the original 263 women returned questionnaires (72%) after a minimum of 10 years post‐treatment. Those totally or generally satisfied with treatment numbered 77/129 (60%) in the microwave arm and 70/134 (52%) in the resection arm, the difference is not statistically significant. Bleeding and pain scores were highly significantly reduced and similar following both MEA^TM and TCRE, achieving amenorrhoea rates of 83 and 88% respectively. The hysterectomy rate after 10 years was significantly different with 22 (17%) in the MEA^TM and 38 (28%) in the TCRE arm (95% CI: −0.21, −0.13). Conclusions Both techniques achieve significant and comparable improvements in menstrual symptoms, health‐related quality of life and high rates of satisfaction. With the known operative advantages, lower costs and fewer hysterectomies, it is clear that MEA™ is a more effective and efficient treatment for heavy menstrual loss than TCRE.