Transcervical Resection of Endometrium

Transcervical Resection of The Endometrium

Transcervical resection of the endometrium or TCRE, like hysteroscopic endometrial ablation was the treatment of choice for menorrhagia before the advent of newer endometrial ablation techniques.  TCRE is operative hysteroscopy using a hysteroscope with a heated wire loop, called a resectoscope, to remove the endometrium.  It is now being done with newer equipment like Myosure resection device.  

Compared to hysterectomy, TCRE has the advantages of a shorter recovery time, less pain, reduced risk of infection and lower expense.  Compared to endometrial ablation procedures, TCRE has some slight disadvantages.  While both types of procedures achieve comparable patient satisfaction, TCRE has a higher risk of complications, in particular, uterine perforation.  In general, endometrial ablation is now considered to be comparable or superior to TCRE.  Use of TCRE and endometrial ablation TOGETHER yield higher success in amenorrhea or no more periods.  

References

1. Bongers MY, et al. Is balloon ablation as effective as endometrial electroresection in the treatment of menorrhagia? J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2000;10(2):85-92.
2. Cooper KG, et al. A randomised comparison of microwave endometrial ablation with transcervical resection of the endometrium; follow up at a minimum of five years. BJOG. 2005;112(4):470-75.
3. Shaw JA. Menorrhagia. eMedicine from WebMD. 2007. www.emedicine.com/med/topic1449.htm