Open randomised study of use of levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system as alternative to hysterectomy.

Abstract

To assess whether the levonorgestrel intrauterine system could provide a conservative alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of excessive uterine bleeding. Open randomised multicentre study with two parallel groups: a levonorgestrel intrauterine system group and a control group. Gynaecology departments of three hospitals in Finland. Fifty six women aged 33-49 years scheduled to undergo hysterectomy for treatment of excessive uterine bleeding. Women were randomised either to continue with their current medical treatment or to have a levonorgestrel intrauterine system inserted. Proportion of women cancelling their decision to undergo hysterectomy. At 6 months, 64.3% (95% confidence interval 44.1 to 81.4%) of the women in the levonorgestrel intrauterine system group and 14.3% (4.0 to 32.7%) in the control group had cancelled their decision to undergo hysterectomy (P < 0.001). The use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system is a good conservative alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of menorrhagia and should be considered before hysterectomy or other invasive treatments.