Laparoscopic helium plasma coagulation for the treatment of endometriosis

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on laparoscopic helium plasma coagulation for the treatment of endometriosis.

It replaces the previous guidance on laparoscopic helium plasma coagulation for the treatment of endometriosis (Interventional Procedures Guidance no. 54, March 2004).

As part of the NICE's work programme, the current guidance was considered for review in June 2009 but did not meet the review criteria as set out in the IP process guide. The guidance below therefore remains current.

Laparoscopic helium plasma coagulation is used to treat endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common condition. Women with endometriosis have deposits of endometrial tissue, which should be confined to the lining of the uterus, outside the uterus. Symptoms include pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhoea or infertility.

Most women with endometriosis can be treated with analgesia and hormone treatment. Women who do not respond may be offered minimally invasive surgery to excise or vaporise the endometriotic deposits, most commonly by electrocautery or laser through a laparoscope. Women with very severe symptoms may be offered more radical treatment with hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries.

Laparoscopic helium plasma coagulation of endometriosis is another way of vaporising endometrial deposits. Using a laparoscope, an ionised beam of helium gas is directed at endometrial deposits to destroy the affected tissue. 

Other (see guidance)

Gynaecology, pregnancy and birth
Surgical procedures

Obstetrics and gynaecology

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA