Hematometra after thermal balloon endometrial ablation in a patient with cervical incompetence.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Thermal balloon endometrial ablation is a relatively safe nonsurgical treatment for menorrhagia. Hematometra follows this procedure in <3 % of patients, but risk factors for this complication are unclear.

CASE:

A woman with a history of cervical incompetence during pregnancy later developed cervical occlusion and hematometra after thermal balloon endometrial ablation. Cervical occlusion did not recur after cervical dilatation and temporary placement of a catheter as a stent.

CONCLUSION:

The normal resistance of the internal cervical os may be an important factor in avoiding thermal damage to the cervix during thermal balloon endometrial ablation. This case suggests that a history of cervical incompetence may be a clinical indicator of decreased cervical resistance.

• Authors: S R Hubert, P S Marcus, J M Rothenberg, J M Schilder, W W Hurd
• Journal: Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A (J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A) Vol. 11 Issue 5 Pg. 311-3 (Oct 2001) ISSN: 1092-6429 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11642669 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Catheter Ablation (methods)
• Catheterization (methods)
• Female
• Hematometra (etiology)
• Humans
• Hyperthermia, Induced
• Menorrhagia (therapy)
• Uterine Cervical Incompetence (complications)