A comparative study of Essure® hysteroscopic sterilisation versus laparoscopic sterilisation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare success rate, patient satisfaction, discomfort, procedure time and intraoperative adverse events of hysteroscopic (Essure®) versus laparoscopic sterilisation. This study includes a retrospective case-control comparative study of 70 patients who had laparoscopic or hysteroscopic sterilisation performed. Systematic chart review for the documentation of preoperative counselling, operative time, intraoperative complications, documentation of correct application of Essure® and Filshie® clips and duration of hospital stay was also done. Patient follow-up was arranged and a questionnaire completed including details of postoperative pain, satisfaction of procedure, recovery time and compliance with confirmatory hysterosalpingogram attendance and associated pain. The main outcome measures were pregnancy rate following attempted tubal blockage, return to normal activity and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcome measures include patient discomfort, procedure time, device placement, compliance with hysterosalpingogram, postoperative complications and recovery time. There is a statistical difference in favour of Essure® for postoperative pain, operative time, return to work/normal activity and hospital stay with no difference in complications or pregnancy. As a conclusion, Essure® is a safe and effective alternative to laparoscopic sterilisation with significantly less procedurerelated pain.