BACKGROUNDMicrowave endometrial ablation (MEA) is a new form of minimal invasive surgical procedure for menorrhagia. It has been widely adopted clinically in many countries. In this study, we compare the outcome of MEA and total hysterectomy for menorrhagia.

METHODSSixty patients with menorrhagia were divided into MEA group or total hysterectomy (control) group (30 in each). The intra operative blood loss, operating time, either preserving the uterus or not, and length of recovery time in the two groups were compared. The independent samples t test was used to analyse our data in the study.

RESULTSIn comparing the MEA group and the control group, the effective rates were 96% (29/30) and 100% (30/30, chi(2) = 0, P = 1.0). The operating time was (4.0 +/- 1.1) minutes and (68.3 +/- 1.9) minutes (t = -160.42, P = 0.00). The mean blood loss was 0 ml and 50 ml, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe curative effect of MEA is similar to that of total hysterectomy. When considering preservation of the uterus and postoperative recovery, MEA is obviously superior to total hysterectomy.