Common gynecological surgery for abnormal bleeding associated with a high risk of hysterectomy

London, ON, October 1, 2024 – A new study has found that 29 per cent of people in Ontario who undergo endometrial ablation will have a subsequent hysterectomy to remove the entire uterus within 15 years. 

Researchers from ICES, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University, and Lawson Health Research Institute examined 76,446 patients who were followed for 15 years, addressing the question of surgical interventions after a first endometrial ablation (EA). 

EA is a minimally invasive surgery that treats abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and is often offered as an alternative to hysterectomy. EA has been established as a safe procedure with low complication rates, but less is known about whether people undergoing EA will need further surgical intervention down the road. 

Published in the journal Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn, the study included patients who had undergone their first EA in Ontario between 2002 and 2017. 

“These results provide valuable information to care providers, who can counsel their patients about more realistic outcomes of endometrial ablation, and the potential need for a future hysterectomy,” says lead author Dr. Jacob McGee, an adjunct scientist at ICES Western, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics & gynaecology at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, and associate scientist at Lawson. 

Risk of hysterectomy shows no signs of plateauing  

The study found 22 per cent of patients received a subsequent surgical intervention after their primary EA. 

Within one year of EA, five per cent of women went on to have a hysterectomy. This increased to 17 per cent at five years, 23 per cent at 10 years and 29 per cent at 15 years. This increase showed no evidence of plateauing by the 15-year follow-up. 

People who were younger, had a complex diagnosis, or previous abdominal surgery (such as tubal ligation) were more likely to have a subsequent hysterectomy. 

“The large number of women progressing to hysterectomy following a primary EA is concerning and suggests that EA is best considered as an intervention that will improve symptoms in the short-term and will ultimately delay the need for a hysterectomy, rather than prevent it,” says McGee. 

Another finding showed a link between surgeon experience and future surgical risk following EA. As the experience of the surgeon increased (using their age as a surrogate measure), the likelihood of a person requiring a hysterectomy decreased by three per cent for each increase in year of experience. 

“We suggest that if endometrial ablation is to be performed that clinicians consider how they communicate longer-term outcomes to patients,” says Dr. George Vilos, a professor in the department of obstetrics & gynaecology at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. 

The researchers call attention to the potential use of combination treatments, including IUDs or hormone replacement therapies, which may extend the effectiveness of EA, and could eliminate the need for additional surgeries if patients were to enter menopause. They note that further research is needed to explore these options. 

The article “Hysterectomy rate following endometrial ablation in Ontario, a cohort analysis of 76446 patients” was published in the journal Facts Views & Vision in ObGyn. 

ICES is an independent, not-for-profit research and analytics institute that uses population-based health information to produce knowledge on a broad range of healthcare issues. ICES leads cutting-edge studies and analyses evaluating healthcare policy, delivery, and population outcomes. Our knowledge is highly regarded in Canada and abroad and is widely used by government, hospitals, planners, and practitioners to make decisions about healthcare delivery and to develop policy. For the latest ICES news, follow us on X, formerly Twitter: @ICESOntario 

ABOUT WESTERN 
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.  

About Lawson Health Research Institute: Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:  

Misty Pratt  
Senior Communications Associate, ICES 
Misty.Pratt@ices.on.ca 343-961-6982 

Cynthia Fazio 
Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry 
Cynthia.Fazio@uwo.ca 226-376-4924