Microwave endometrial ablation at 2.45 GHz for menorrhagia

Abstract

Microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) is a low invasive technique for menorrhagia resistant to conservative therapy. Since preliminary results of microwave endometrial ablation at a frequency of 9.2 GHz were published in 1995, it has been widely used as an alternative to hysterectomy for treating menorrhagia. The authors have developed a thin curved microwave applicator radiating microwaves at 2.45 GHz, which was applicable to an enlarged uterus with a distorted uterine cavity more than 12 cm in length ; a situation that had been a contraindication for conventional endometrial ablation. More than 50 Japanese women with menorrhagia underwent MEA using the curved applicator. Menorrhagia was improved in all patients and no major complication was encountered. MEA using the curved microwave applicator could safely treat organic menorrhagia in an enlarged uterus with a distorted cavity as well as dysfunctional menorrhagia. Most of hysterectomy for organic menorrhagia caused by non-malignant conditions such as submucous myoma or adenomyosis, may be avoidable by MEA.