INTRODUCTION: Nearly one third of gynecology visits are related to abnormal uterine bleeding and many are treated with endometrial ablation. Little research describing the impact of ablation on the structure and appearance of the endometrium and uterus post operatively has been done. The primary objective of this retrospective study is to describe and define changes within the endometrium and uterus seen on ultrasound of the post ablated endometrium. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of hospital electronic medical records from 2012 to 2016 to collect data on patients with ultrasound performed after endometrial ablation. Ultrasound reports were manually reviewed to collect quantitative and qualitative data on the post-ablative uterus. RESULTS: The mean endometrial thickness of the study sample (n=74) postoperatively was 7.0 mm (SD 3.3), significantly lower than pre operatively (p < 0.001) and the uterine height was 4.7 mm (SD 0.9), significantly lower than pre operatively (p=0.001). The mean endometrial thickness over time trended down from 9.3 (SD 3.4) to 5.5 (SD 2.2). Appearance of heterogeneity, vascularity, and cystic spaces also increased over time. CONCLUSION: Endometrial thickness decreases post operatively while presence of heterogeneity vascular or cystic spaces increase but more data is needed to meaningfully compare the trend over time. A prospective study is ongoing to describe the changes of the uterus overtime after ablation to help providers interpret postoperative ultrasound studies.
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