Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Tubal perforation by Essure: three different clinical presentations
Josje Langenveld1, Sebastiaan Veersema, Marlies Y Bongers
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. josje.langenveld@og.unimaas.nl
Objective:
To assess the convenience and safety of Essure sterilization in an outpatient setting and the use of ultrasound as diagnostic tool for verification of proper placement for the 3-month follow-up.
Design:
Prospective cohort study.
Setting:
Teaching hospital department of obstetrics and gynecology.
Patient(S):
Female patients with a request for permanent tubal sterilization.
Intervention(S):
Essure sterilization.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Bilateral tubal occlusion after Essure sterilization and complication rate.
Result(S):
A total of 149 patients were scheduled for Essure sterilization. Microinsert placement was attempted in 143 patients. Bilateral placement of the device was successful in 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 92%-99%). Seven attempts were unsuccessful. The complication rate was 2% (n = 3), and all involved a perforation. These three cases are discussed in detail. Vaginal ultrasound was conclusive in 91.7% (95% CI 87%-96%); two perforations were not recognized on the ultrasound.
Conclusion(S):
Essure sterilization is a safe and reliable sterilization method in an outpatient setting. Perforation of the device is the most frequent complication. Vaginal ultrasound is reliable for verification after an uncomplicated procedure. When the procedure is difficult (e.g., higher resistance, more pain then average, more time or more than two devices needed), a hysterosalpingogram should be performed.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
