Patient satisfaction with thermal balloon ablation for treatment of menorrhagia

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether satisfaction in women who have undergone the thermal balloon ablation (TBA) procedure for menorrhagia at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is consistent with initial published studies.

Study Design

Two hundred sixteen patients were mailed a survey regarding patient satisfaction, postoperative bleeding patterns, and need for additional surgery. The follow-up interval was 13-60 months.

Results

The survey response rate was 88%. Eighty-nine percent of women were satisfied with the results of their procedure. After 3-5 years, 37% of women reported amenorrhea and 44% reported minimal/light bleeding. Only 9% of women eventually required hysterectomy.

Conclusion

This study confirms a patient satisfaction rate in our institution that is consistent with initial published studies.

Key words: patient satisfaction, thermal balloon ablation, treatment of menorrhagia