Minimally Invasive Removal of Essure Avoiding Hysterectomy

One of the options for permanent sterilization is hysteroscopic intra-fallopian tube placement of two flexible coils made of a mixture of polyester fibers, nickel, titanium, platinum, silver-tin and stainless steel. Intentionally, after three months, these coils become embedded into lumen of corner of the uterus and lumen of the fallopian tubes. It is called Essure and is an effective permanent birth control device. Unfortunately, some patients develop persistent pain, and suspected allergic or hypersensitivity reactions which can be exhausting.

Removal of Essure coils is the only way to eliminate these quality of life disrupting side effects. Due to permanent embedding of these coils, both fallopian tubes and both lumens of uterine corners need to be removed. Given the complexity of the task, some of these patients, unfortunately, undergo unnecessary hysterectomies.

Robotically assisted laparoscopic removal of Essure coils containing fallopian tubes and lumen of uterine corners is bloodless, spares the uterus and is done in an outpatient setting without the need for overnight stay. Patients can return to normal activities in one week.

Author

Dr. Nathan Mordel, MD Nathan Mordel, MD, is a board-certified gynecological surgeon at Atlanta Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in advanced robotic, laparoscopic, vaginal pelvic surgery, including for fibroids, endometriosis, heavy and/or painful menstrual periods, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary incontinence.