How many people have died from endometrial ablation?

MedPage Today’s search of the FDA’s MAUDE database for the Novasure device, the device used in some 60% of the roughly 500,000 endometrial ablations performed each year in the U.S., turned up hundreds of reports of complications from 2009 through 2019. Among them were reports of six deaths.

What can go wrong with endometrial ablation?

Any bleeding from persistent or regenerating endometrium behind the scar may be obstructed and cause problems such as central hematometra, cornual hematometra, postablation tubal sterilization syndrome, retrograde menstruation, and potential delay in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

What is the difference between NovaSure and endometrial ablation?

NovaSure is an endometrial ablation (EA) procedure that can reduce or stop menstrual bleeding. It works by permanently removing the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus (the part that causes the bleeding), with a quick delivery of radio frequency energy.

What do you need to know about endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to remove a thin layer of tissue (endometrium) that lines the uterus. It is done to stop or reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. But it is only done on women who do not plan to have any children in the future. The procedure is not surgery, so you will not have any cut (incision).

What are the steps to novasure endometrial ablation?

There are multiple steps to NovaSure endometrial ablation. First, the doctor uses an ultrasound to measure the cervix. Doctors can perform the NovaSure procedure when the length of the cervix is greater than or equal to four centimeters.

Can a woman get uterine cancer after endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation generally isn’t recommended for postmenopausal women or women who have: Cancer of the uterus, or an increased risk of uterine cancer Complications of endometrial ablation are rare and can include: A puncture injury of the uterine wall from surgical instruments Pregnancy can occur after endometrial ablation.

What happens to the uterus during radiofrequency ablation?

During radiofrequency ablation, your doctor uses a triangular ablation device which transmits radiofrequency energy and destroys the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium). The ablation device is then removed from the uterus.