Endometrial cryotherapy for menorrhagia
Summary
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on endometrial cyrotherapy for menorrhagia
Description
Endometrial cryotherapy (or cryoablation) involves using cold temperatures to freeze and destroy the lining of the uterus (called endometrium). The procedure can be performed under general, regional or local anaesthesia, although sometimes no anaesthesia is required.
A probe (also called cryoprobe) is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus and is cooled by passing either liquid nitrogen or a compressed gas mixture through it. The tip of the probe is the site of freezing and is placed in the top part of the uterus. Activating the freeze cycle of the probe generates an ice ball in the uterus which destroys the target area of endometrial tissue. The freeze cycle is followed by a heat (thaw) cycle which allows the probe to be removed. Ultrasound is used to monitor the position of the probe and depth of freezing across the endometrium. Additional freeze/thaw cycles may be repeated if necessary.
OPCS code:
Details
Royal College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy
Royal College of Radiologists
Contact details:
(for general enquiries or comments)
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments)
ip@nice.org.uk
Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA
