What is involved in endometrial ablation?

Depends on type: Usually it involves either local anesthesia with IV sedation or a gen anesthetic. The procedure involves treatment, removal, or ablation of the endometrium. The effect either eliminates the uterine lining or scars the lining to itself. The goal is to decrease menses or if lucky, eliminate it with minimal surgery. You would also need effective birth control since you shouldn't conceive afterwards.

Destroys the lining: An endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus. It treats menorrhagia (heavy periods). There are several different types of ablations each involving various ways of destroying the uterine lining (i.e. Thermal heat, electrocautery, laser, etc). Ablations are done in the office, a day surgery unit, or an operating room depending on the type.

Tissue destroyed: A device (cautery, freezing, heated balloon) is placed inside the uterine cavity and the endometrial tissue is destroyed. It can take from 90 seconds to several minutes depending on the technique. It is very effective at decreasing heavy periods.