Hysteroscopic Sterilization (Essure®): evaluation of 114 cases

Background: The Essure (R) hysteroscopic procedure is a highly successful permanent birth control system, with a 5-year effectiveness rate of 99.8%. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of 114 women who underwent Essure (R) insertion between 7/2009 and 12/2011. Results: Successful bilateral placement of microinserts occurred in 97 patients (85%). Essure (R) placement failed in twelve patients (10.5%) due to: tubal spasm, tubal obstruction, uterine adhesions and system mechanical problems. Pelvic x-ray was performed in 74 women, 3D ultrasound in 43 and hysterosalpingography in 21 women. In 3 cases the placement of microinserts was doubtful. In 4 cases confirmation tests weren't realized due to patient noncompliance. There were no pregnancies during follow-up of bilateral placement of microinserts. Conclusions: Essure (R) appears to be a safe and effective approach to sterilization. No major complications occurred and adequate placement of micro-inserts was demonstrated in 93%.