How to Prepare for Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a medical procedure that utilizes a hysteroscope (a viewing instrument with a light source) and other surgical instruments to destroy your endometrium or lining of your uterus. Endometrial ablation is performed to control heavy, continuous vaginal bleeding when childbirth is completed or when bleeding has not responded well to other treatments. The procedure can take up to 30 minutes, and you are able to go home the same day. It takes a few weeks to recover after the procedure. Being prepared for endometrial ablation is vital for a successful surgery.

Instructions

• 1

  Give your physician any information you may have missed during the initial consultation. This information includes allergies to certain medications or medical items such as latex, iodine, tape and anesthesia agents (general and local). Also inform your physician if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant. Ask any questions that you may have about the procedure.

• 2

  Take hormones one month before surgery. These will be prescribed to you to help thin the uterus lining for easier removal during the surgical procedure.

• 3

  Fast for eight hours before surgery. Your surgeon will give you either a local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the surgery. Having an empty stomach will prevent any undigested food in your stomach from going back up into your esophogus and into your lungs during surgery.

• 4

  Buy a two-week supply of sanitary pads. This will be used after the operation, since there will be vaginal bleeding for a few days. Wear these until the bleeding has completely stopped.