Essure: a new device for hysteroscopic tubal sterilization in an outpatient setting.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of hysteroscopic placement of an intratubal device for permanent birth control in 85 women in an outpatient setting.


METHODS
Prospective, observational study.


METHODS
Private university hospital.


METHODS
Eighty-five premenopausal women who asked for tubal sterilization by hysteroscopy between July 2002 and July 2003.


METHODS
Hysteroscopic placement of titanium-dacron intratubal devices in an outpatient setting.


METHODS
Procedure feasibility without anesthesia, success rate of device implantation, patient satisfaction, and confirmation of correct placement.


RESULTS
Successful placement was achieved in 81 patients (95%). Mean time elapsed between the start of hysteroscopy, placement of devices, and removal of optics was 9 minutes (range, 1-35 minutes). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were detected. Of 81 patients, 75 (93%) had abdominal x-ray performed at the third month; bilateral correct placement was confirmed in all of them.


CONCLUSIONS
Essure is a safe, effective, and minimally aggressive procedure with satisfactory patient acceptance that does not require anesthesia or hospitalization. It seems to be a good alternative to laparoscopic tubal sterilization.
Ubeda
Alicia
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain. aliube@dexeus.com
Labastida
Ramón
R
Dexeus
Santiago
S
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D004867:Equipment Design; D005187:Fallopian Tubes; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011184:Postoperative Period; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014025:Titanium
D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D014025:Titanium