Uterine arteries doppler velocimetry provides 3-years follow up endometrial ablation outcome

The aim of this study was to assess whether uterine artery Doppler velocimetry [pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI)] and thickness of the endometrium (TE) are able to predict 3-year clinical outcome after endometrial ablation (EA) for dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). This was a prospective, observational study of 29 women of whom 22 were amenorrhoeic (A) and 7 eumenorrhoeic (E) at the end of the first postoperative year. The PI, RI and TE were measured prior to and 1, 6 and 12 months after EA. Statistical analyses were performed using BMDP statistical software, discriminant analysis, ANOVA and T test. Using the calculated classification function (CF) with the three parameters PI, RI and TE measured 12 months after FEAT, we were able to accurately (100%) specify which of the women will have A or E in 3 years. The predictive value of PI, RI and TE has been confirmed clinically in a minimum 3-year follow-up of outcome (ranging from 36 to 72 months [mean 55]). All A and E women have stayed in the same group (A or E) during the minimum of 3 years. In conclusion we found that PI, RI and TE measured prior to EA cannot predict the outcome, however these measurements performed 1 year after FEAT can predict the duration of A or E in the 3-year follow up.