- New Treatment for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Hydro ThermAblator™

Hydrotherm Ablation is a new kind of minimal surgery for heavy menstrual bleeding. In trials it has been over 80% effective in reducing Heavy Bleeding without the need for Hysterectomy.

There is also a short video, showing the procedure in this article. Click Read More for more information.

Endometrial Ablation Hydro ThermAblator Fibroid Network Charity fibroids

Endometrial Ablation Hydro ThermAblator™
Boston Scientific information on – Hydro ThermAblator™ Menorrhagia Menorrhagia is defined as heavy menstrual bleeding (loss of more than 80ml blood per cycle) A cause of illness in premenopausal women It is estimated that 1 in 20 women in the UK in the 30-50 year age group will consult her GP every year with this problem
HTA™ (endometrial ablation)
Hydro ThermAblation™ is an alternative to hysterectomy to treat heavy bleeding. ·Women are now calling for the HTA™ procedure to be available in more centres across the UK.
Treatment involves a gynaecologist inserting a hysteroscope which allows him to view inside the womb. Saline solution is put into the womb.· The saline solution is then circulated through the uterus and then gradually heated to treat the endometrium (innner womb lining). · At the end of the procedure, cool saline solution replaces the heated fluid and the instrument is removed. Patient safety is checked throughout the procedure. This procedure can be performed under local (woman fully awake) or general anaesthetic; women are asked which they'd prefer. Benefits of HTA™ The procedure is unique in that it is both visual (hysteroscopic) and non-contact The procedure works well in a uterus that is either asymmetric or distorted (unlike other techniques on the market) therefore the typography of the uterus does not adversely affect efficacy and a wider population can be treated with this method No scar left Shorter time in hospital (day case procedure) Shorter recovery time (usually a day to recover from anaesthetic) Carries minimal patient risk Allows patient to retain her uterus Received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2001 Positive IPAC guidance on free fluid endometrial ablation was published on the procedure on 23rd March 04 – deeming the procedure as a safe and effective alternative to hysterectomy The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee (IPAC) committee has recommended that the HTA™ procedure be fully appraised by NICE to further determine its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness HTA™ has shown excellent clinical results in the treatment of menorrhagia · Approximately 25,000 patients have benefited from the procedure worldwide Current other Treatments for Heavy Bleeding available: · Hysterectomy · Endometrial ablation (HTA™) – alternative to hysterectomy · Iron supplements prescribed for anaemia · Tranexamic acid is prescribed to help the blood clot and mefanamic acid also acts as a painkiller · Drugs prescribed to affect hormone levels · Progesterone-releasing IUCD coil · Oral contraceptive pill can be prescribed to lead to lighter, more regular periods Myomectomy Hysterectomy At present up to 60% of menorrhagia patients are treated with a hysterectomy It results in uterus being removed through an incision in the abdomen, or less commonly the top of the vagina Operation takes 1-2 hours under general anaesthetic Up to 14 days in hospital and potentially more than two months to recover Can cause pain and significant blood loss Additional hospital procedures often necessary such as repair to the urinary tract or bowel Patient may need hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants and incontinence support as a result of operation 1 in 30 hysterectomy patients suffer complications Cost comparisons Estimated average cost of a NHS hysterectomy based on 2001-2002 prices is approximately £2,077 HTA™ Hydrotherm Ablation device costs £400 Hysterectomy, while the right choice for some patients, is not the best option for all. It is a complicated operation, which carries associated risks and can leave a patient recovering for up to two months. Where there are alternative, suitable treatments, HTA™ being one, women should be made aware and offered the choice.” Boston Scientific · Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialities. For more information on the Company and its range of products, please visit: www.bostonscientific.com · Boston Scientific manufactures and distributes the HTA™ system throughout the world. Patient Information Further patient information can be found at: www.womenshealthlondon.org.uk www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk www.fibroidnetworkonline.com Fibroid Network Charity Information provided by Boston Scientific Availability
UK Hospitals where Hydro ThermAblator™ is available
1. Withybush, West Wales 2. Scunthorpe General 3. Pilgrim Hospital, Boston Lincolnshire 4. Gloucestershire Royal, Gloucester 5. Great Western Hospital, Swindon 6. Salisbury Hospital, Wiltshire 7. Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester 8. Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton 9. St Marys Hospital, Portsmouth 10. Conquest Hospital, Hastings 11. Pembury Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, 12. Benenden Hospital, Kent 13. University Hospital Lewisham 14. Gatwick Park BUPA Hospital 15. Whiston Hospital, St Helens Liverpool 16. Hull Royal Infirmary 17. South Tyneside DGH 18. Bridlington DGH 19. Scarborough DGH

Fibroid Network Charity comments:
This treatment is a new treatment in the UK. Hydro ThermAblator™ treatment may be useful for women who suffer from Heavy menstrual bleeding, who want an alternative to hysterectomy but do not intend to have further children. It is a less invasive treatment than hysterectomy. And does not involve removing any organs. 50% of fibroids do not cause any symptoms. Sometimes heavy bleeding occurs independently of the fibroids, in which case this may be an effective treatment. If fibroids are the cause of the heavy bleeding , this may be effective only if the fibroids are in the inner womb lining. If the fibroid is deep in the muscular wall or attached to the outside of the womb, then other kinds of treatments may be more effective. This treatment has a better success rate than D & C (Dilation & Curettage). This treatment in trials was approximately 80% effective in reducing heavy bleeding. Some known Possible Side Effects: Its not recommended for women desiring to have further children as the treatment destroys the inner womb lining to reduce excess bleeding. Some women's periods stop altogether following this procedure.
Other Links This procedure is also available at various centres in the USA We've found a site with a short windows media player video of the procedure CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO. This video is from the Anaheim Memorial Hospital which performs the procedure in Anaheim , La Palma California USA. CLICK HERE for their WEBSITE & find out more.
Generally, if you experience any unusual patterns of heavy bleeding then you should contact your Doctor and be properly medically examined and diagnosed before any treatment is considered.