Hysteroscopic tubal sterilization with Essure®: a 7 year observational study

Introduction: Hysteroscopic sterilization with the Essure® device is a method of contraception considered safe and effective already applied in more than 200,000 women. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of this method of contraception and the adverse events associated with the placement of Essure®, including pain during the procedure and postprocedure complications. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective observational study with inclusion of all the women submitted to Essure® placement in a large urban hospital in Portugal, from January 2008 to December 2015 (7 years). The variables age, parity, duration and intercurrences of the procedure, follow-up exams and final outcome were evaluated. The statistical analysis was performed with STATA 12.1. Results: Of the 118 women only 100 finished the procedure with 16.9% reporting moderate or severe pain. Although less than 3 intrauterine rings were found in 8.5% of cases, the success rate was 92%. The complications described were tubal perforation (0.8%), pregnancy (1 case) and incorrect positioning of the implants (3%). Discussion/Conclusion: The success rate of the procedure was very close to that described in the literature with a low incidence of complications. That advantages make it an ideal method for women with high surgical risk and multiple comorbidities