Endometrial Ablation with the EnAbl System
We assessed the safety of a new method of endometrial ablation using heated saline in 11 patients who were undergoing elective hysterectomy. The EnAbl system consists of a controller, computer, and disposable, flexible probe that provides in situ heating and circulation of the saline while maintaining a tight seal at the internal os. The system's low pressure precluded ligation of the oviducts. Temperatures of the saline, uterine serosa, subserosa, and oviducts were monitored throughout the 15-minute procedure in all 10 treatments and 1 control. Histology revealed an average depth of treatment of 4 mm, including necrosis of the surface myometrium. Average depth of necrosis was consistent throughout the cavity regardless of the presence of insignificant myomas. Serosal, subserosal, and oviduct temperatures remained low (<e;45° C) during the 10 treatments of 70 to 85° C. We believe that this method provides an efficacious depth of treatment while maintaining safe serosal temperatures.