Using the balloon therapy, global endometrial ablation is performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Heat is used to remove the endometrial lining of the uterus, which is the main source of excessive menstrual bleeding. A balloon catheter is inserted vaginally through the cervix and into the uterus. After treatment is completed, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is withdrawn and discarded. The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Patients are usually able to resume normal activities the next day.
The Thermachoice II system is contraindicated in women who want to have children because pregnancies after ablation could be dangerous for the fetus and the mother. If there is a chance that pregnancy could occur, contraception or sterilization should be used after treatment. Rare adverse events associated with the Thermachoice II system may include blood loss, heat burn of internal organs, electrical burn, perforation or rupture of the uterine wall, or leakage of heated fluid from the balloon or tissue into the cervix or vagina. Infection is a possibility, but infection usually can be managed with oral antibiotics. The statement appears in the ACSM's Current Comments, February 2000 .