Guidance
3 Further information
3.1 The Institute has issued guidance on microwave endometrial ablation, balloon thermal endometrial ablation, and free fluid thermal endometrial ablation.
3.2 Fluid-filled thermal balloon and microwave endometrial ablation techniques for heavy menstrual bleeding have been appraised as part of the Institute's technology appraisal work programme. Guidance is being prepared [Now published as 'Fluid-filled thermal balloon and microwave endometrial ablation techniques for heavy menstrual bleeding']
3.3 The Institute is in the process of developing a clinical guideline on hysterectomy and alternative surgical treatments for menorrhagia and other conditions. The expected date of issue of this guideline is September 2005 [Now published as 'Heavy menstrual bleeding: investigation and treatment'].
Andrew Dillon
Chief Executive
March 2004
Sources of evidence
The evidence considered by the Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee is described in the following document.
'Interventional procedure overview of photodynamic endometrial ablation', November 2002.
Information for patients
NICE has produced information on this procedure for patients and carers. It explains the nature of the procedure and the guidance issued by NICE, and has been written with patient consent in mind.