Endometrial ablation for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding using balloon therapy.

Abstract

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) has emerged as one of the most frequently encountered gynecological problems. Besides the problems with anemia and iron deficiency, excessive menstrual bleeding adversely affects quality of life and contributes to health-care costs as it is a major indication for referral to the gynecological outpatient clinic. It is a disabling problem for many women and a major clinical challenge for gynecologists. There are numerous options for the treatment of DUB: drug therapy, hysterectomy, endometrial ablation with the Nd:YAG laser, resectoscope, rollerball, and more recently other alternatives such as bipolar devices, direct hot saline instillation, microwaves, and thermal balloons.