New procedure offers alternative to tubal ligation

A new procedure gives Holmes and the 700,000 women who undergo tubal ligation each year a Food and Drug Administration approved alternative that is minimally invasive, requires no incisions or punctures to the body, and can be performed under local anesthesia.

“The Essure procedure was 99.8 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, in clinical trials,” said Dr. Bart Putterman, and obstetrician and gynecologist at The Methodist Hospital. “It is performed on an outpatient basis, and follows the growing trend of performing procedures in a less and less invasive manner.

Essure requires no cutting, clipping, suturing or burning of tubes, and does not affect menstrual periods or cause menopause, he said. Tubal ligation, the most common form of sterilization, requires an incision in the navel to access the fallopian tubes, which are then cut, clamped or burned. Recovery time can last from a few days to two weeks.

During the 15-minute Essure procedure, a scope is inserted into the uterus to give the physician a view of the area. A catheter is then threaded through the scope into the fallopian tube where a small, flexible micro-insert – which looks like a tiny spring – is placed. Once the devices are in place, the catheter is removed, and the devices expand and contour to the woman’s fallopian tubes.

Patients usually go home 45 minutes following the procedure, and return to normal activities within 24 hours.

There is a 3-month waiting period during which the device causes the lining of the fallopian tubes to develop scar tissue and form permanent plugs, which prevent sperm from fertilizing the eggs. An alternative method of birth control must be used during this time. The patient then visits her physician, who makes an X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes to ensure that the micro-inserts are in the correct position, and that the fallopian tubes are blocked. Once confirmed, no additional birth control method is required.

After Holmes discussed her options with Putterman, she decided that Essure was the way to go.

“I don’t like pain,” Holmes said. “After learning there would be less pain than having my tubes tied, no scar, and it’s highly effective, I decided to do it.”

She said she felt no pain when she woke up after the procedure. After going home she was able to play with her baby later that day. She felt no pain or discomfort, and was ready to go back to work the next day, she said.

“We are always looking for less invasive methods of performing sterilization,” Putterman said. “Essure offers ease of insertion and fewer complications. It’s an effective option for women who are uncomfortable with tubal ligation.”