Ablation of the Endometrium with the Neodymium:YAG Laser: A Multicenter Study

ABSTRACT

Hysterectomy is the most often performed operation in the United States. Many patients undergo hysterectomy for chronic recurrent menorrhagia refractory to medical and surgical therapy. This paper describes a conservative method of treating menorrhagia on an outpatient basis using the neodymium:YAG laser through the hysteroscope. Sixty-one patients from four separate institutions with chronic recurrent menorrhagia are described. All patients have noted a decrease in menstrual flow or have become totally amenorrheic and, thus, have avoided the major operation of hysterectomy. Preliminary results indicate that ablation of the endometrium with the Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective alternative to hysterectomy in patients with chronic menorrhagia.