Endometrial ablation – surgical removal of the lining of the uterus

Ablation of the lining of the uterus is used to treat heavy bleeding. We’ll usually be able to decide after an ultrasound scan and a discussion of your symptoms whether this procedure is a good solution to your problems. First we take a sample of the lining of the uterus to rule out cell changes. This sample is sent for further analysis and we’ll have the results in 8-10 days. Then we’ll carry out the procedure. In most cases, surgically removing of the lining means that the bleedings lessen or even stop. Most women benefit from the procedure, but in some cases it isn’t enough and then a hysterectomy may be worth considering. Below you can read more about what happens during the operation.

Before the operation

Ablation of the lining of the uterus is a small procedure, which means you can usually go home 1-2 hours later. But because there may be some side-effects of the anaesthesia, you must have somebody to come and pick you up at the clinic and stay with you for next 24 hours.
It’s important that you tell the specialist before the procedure about any drugs or medicine you take, because some of them are dangerous in combination with the anaesthesia.
You’ll have a hormone treatment about 6 weeks before the procedure, which will make the lining of the uterus thinner. It’s also a good idea to stop smoking at that time if you can because smoking slows down the healing of wounds, and that goes for the period after the operation as well.

Fasting :

You are not allowed to eat anything 6 hours before your operation.
You are allowed to drink water and juice until 2 hours before your operation.

The operation

Usually you’ll have general anaesthesia for the operation. We’ll put an IV line in the back of your hand and give you the anaesthesia through it. The operation is performed via the vagina. The cervix is dilated and a lighted magnifying scope is inserted into the uterus. The uterus itself is filled with saline water so that we can get a good overview through the scope. We use a fine loop of wire to cut the lining from the uterine wall. The lining and any polyps or fibroids found are sent to the University’s Department of Pathology for further analysis. You’ll get the results from the tests about 14 days after the operation.

After the operation
After the operation you should take it easy for the rest of the day. The day after the operation, our nurse will call you at home to check that you're OK.

Pain
You should expect some labour- or period-like pain, caused by the uterus contracting after the procedure. The pain will usually lessen after a couple of hours. You’ll get some pain-killers to take home when you leave the clinic.

Bleeding

You’ll probably have bleeding similar to a period for 1-2 weeks after the operation. Then the bleeding will gradually diminish. But you can still have some brownish discharge or light bleeding for a couple of weeks after that.

Hygiene

During this time, in order to reduce the risk of infection, you should not use tampons. Again to avoid infection, take showers only, and don’t go swimming.

Sex

Don’t have sexual intercourse until you’ve stopped bleeding.

Activity

You can go back to work and start sports activities 4-7 days after the operation.

Pregnancy

You must avoid getting pregnant, as a pregnancy can’t develop normally when the lining of the uterus has been removed.

Check-up

After 4 months you come in for a check-up.

Side-effects and complications
If you experience strong pain, fever or any bleeding heavier than an ordinary period, you must contact the clinic at +45 8612 6121 or 2320 4221.