Microwave endometrial ablation

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on microwave endometrial ablation.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued safety notices relating to this procedure (Reference Nos. MDA [1998] SN 9812 and MDA [1999] SN 1999(18) ). For full details click here.

Description

This procedure is used to treat heavy menstrual periods, also known as menorrhagia.

Menorrhagia is a very common problem. Hysterectomy has been the standard treatment for women with menorrhagia who have not responded to medical treatment. Minimally invasive procedures to destroy the lining of the uterus (endometrium) are alternatives to hysterectomy. They include destroying the endometrium using lasers, radiofrequency waves, electrocautery, microwaves, heated saline, or a heated balloon.

Microwave endometrial ablation is one of these minimally invasive procedures. It involves inserting a microwave probe into the uterine cavity to heat the endometrium. With the temperature maintained at 75-80ºC, the probe is moved from side to side to destroy the endometrium.

OPCS4.6 Code(s):

Q16.3 Microwave ablation of endometrium NEC

or

Q17.6 Endoscopic microwave ablation of endometrium

Note: The code selection is dependent on whether the procedure is performed endoscopically (Q17.6) or non-endoscopically (Q16.3).

_{The NHS Classifications Service of NHS Connecting for Health is the central definitive source for clinical coding guidance and determines the coding standards associated with the classifications (OPCS-4 and ICD-10) to be used across the NHS.   The NHS Classifications Service and NICE work collaboratively to ensure the most appropriate classification codes are provided.  www.connectingforhealth.co.uk/clinicalcoding}

Details

Contact details:

Links:

	IPG7 Microwave endometrial ablation: guidance	27 August 2003
	IPG7 Microwave endometrial ablation: guidance (web format)	31 January 2011
	IPG7 Microwave endometrial ablation: understanding NICE guidance	27 August 2003
	IPG7 Microwave endometrial ablation: distribution list	27 August 2003
	Interventional procedures consultation document - microwave endometrial ablation	24 April 2003
	Overview of microwave endometrial ablation	17 April 2003