Long-term Efficacy of the Thermal Balloon Ablation and the Change of QOL in Patients with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess long-term efficacy and the changes of quality of life after thermal balloon ablation for abnormal uterine bleeding. Methods Seventy women who underwent thermal balloon ablation with thermal balloon endometrial ablation system in our institution initially had their charts reviewed for demographics, procedure data, clinical history, and follow-up 24 months. Thereafter, a telephone or an interview was conducted to assess post procedural menstrual pattern, quality of life. Data were compared with the use of appropriate tests for categoric or continuous variables and logistic regression. Results The cure rates at 6、12、18 and 24 months were 95.71%,94.28%,87.14% and 84.29%, respectively. 5 cases were repeated the operation once,with a percentage of 7.14%. The bleeding period per cycle(8.8 vs 2.2 days,P0.0001) and the use of pads per day (11.4 vs 4.8 pads/ d,P0.001)were reduced. The hemoglobin levels ( 82.75±12.40)g/L vs (110.30±1.00)g/L differed significantly before and after 24 months TBA, (P0.0001). And there was also an improvement in self-reported quality of life scores (SRHMS) after treatment (166.50±10.11)vs (357.33±32.16),P0.0001. Conclusion The thermal balloon ablation is a safe and efficient method to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. It reduces the menstrual flow and improves the quality of life.