Ultrasound detection of the Essure permanent birth control device: a case series.
BACKGROUND
The current recommendation to check the position of the Essure permanent birth control (PBC) micro-insert device after its insertion is by abdominal X-ray 3 months after insertion. We propose that ultrasound imaging is more suited for this purpose and gives reassurance much earlier. The sonographic appearance of the micro-inserts and the reliability of this modality in localising the devices is described in the present study.


OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the appearance of the Essure PBC device at transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound scanning and to determine the reliability of this approach in localising the contraceptive device.


METHODS
All patients who had the Essure PBC procedure between June 2002 and January 2003 at our centre were offered an ultrasound scan to check device position.


RESULTS
The micro-inserts were easily distinguished by their echogenic coil-like appearance within each uterine cornua extending into the proximal fallopian tube. Of the 15 patients examined, 14 pairs of devices were seen: one device was malpositioned in the lower part of the uterus. In one patient, only one device was seen in the correct position but the other device was not identified and presumably expelled after a notably difficult insertion.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound appears to be well suited for micro-insert localisation. An early post insertion ultrasound scan is recommended to reassure about correct positioning of device and may potentially alleviate patient anxiety, or diagnose malposition early.
Teoh
Mark
M
Box Hill Medical School, Monash University, Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia. markteoh@bigpond.com
Meagher
Simon
S
Kovacs
Gabor
G
D000328:Adult; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*