What is Hydrothermal Ablation?

Hydrothermal Ablation (HTA) is a Gynecologic procedure created to destroy the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. It is used to treat patients with excessive uterine bleeding. In most cases, this procedure decreases heavy and irregular bleeding. In some cases, it can stop menstrual bleeding altogether.

HTA is a minimally invasive procedure and involves inserting a small probe into the uterus and flushing the uterine cavity with heated water to destroy all or most of the endometrium. This procedure can be performed in a physician’s office using local anesthesia or in a surgical suite using a general anesthetic. Many patients elect to have an HTA procedure performed in a physician’s office using a local anesthetic and are able to return to normal activities the following day.

If you are currently suffering from excessive uterine bleeding due to benign causes and are finished with childbearing, you may be a good candidate for HTA. Talk to a qualified Gynecologist to find out. This procedure is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant or who may want to get pregnant in the future. Potential risks with HTA are rare but include perforation of the wall of the uterus, infection, collection of blood and/or tissue in the uterus post procedure (hematometra) and tearing of the Cervix. A qualified Gynecologist can diagnose the cause of your excessive uterine bleeding, review your medical history and help determine if HTA is an appropriate treatment option for you.

What Does It Treat?

Cryotherapy destroys precancerous cells. These are cells that aren’t normal, but they haven’t turned into cancer yet. If you kill them early, you may keep them from turning into cancer later on.

Doctors can also use it to treat certain kinds of cancer, including in the prostate, liver, and bones.

Sometimes doctors use cryotherapy to remove skin growths that aren’t harmful, such as skin tags, warts, and angiomas. It can remove freckles and tattoos, too.