Large zones of ablation can be achieved with the 2.45-GHz microwave applicator used by the authors. For higher-power ablations, larger zones of coagulation were achieved for in vivo liver than for ex vivo liver with short energy applications, a finding previously not seen with other ablation devices, to the authors' knowledge.

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Objective To describe the introduction of microwave endometrial ablation to clinical practice, and to Design A clinical trial using prototype microwave endometrial ablation equipment.Setting District general hospital.Population Forty-three women with completed families and with failed medical management for menorrhagia were treated with microwave endometrial ablation between October 1994 and April 1995.Main outcome measures A statement of perceived menstrual loss and satisfaction supported by a menstrual symptom questionnaire score. Dysmenorrhoea was graded as a measure of described severity. Treatment time.Results Forty-three women had a total of 46 treatments. Mean treatment time: n = 43, was 141 seconds (50-310). Amenorrhoea: n = 16; 37.2%. Very light periods/discharge: n = 11; 25.6%. Improved periods and woman satisfied: n = 9; 20.9%. Improved periods and woman not satisfied: n = l; 2.3%. Overall satisfaction at three years is 83.7%. Moderate (55.8%) or severe (27.9%) dysmenorrhoea preoperatively had improved to 11.6% and 6.8% respectively at three years. Three re-treatments and four hysterectomies will be discussed. ConclusionsMicrowave endometrial ablation is a new treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding using the application of microwave energy to the endometrium. This results in a rapid but restricted depth of intrauterine heating avoiding hysteroscopic fluid, operative haemorrhage and earthing risks. The technique is simple to learn and perform. Women report a high level of satisfaction three years after microwave endometrial ablation.report the outcomes three years after endometrial ablation.

This novel microwave system allows the ablation of large volumes of liver tissue in a short period of time. The ability to produce lesions reproducibly and safely highlights the potential of this system in the future treatment of irresectable liver tumours.

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