Radiofrequency global endometrial ablation followed by hysteroscopic sterilization

Abstract

Study objective: To describe the feasibility of performing Essure hysteroscopic sterilization immediately after NovaSure global endometrial ablation (GEA).

Design: Descriptive feasibility study (Canadian Task Force classification III).

Setting: Midwestern United States academic medical center.

Patients: Twenty-five women (aged 35-49 years) with menorrhagia who elected GEA treatment and requested concurrent permanent sterilization.

Interventions: NovaSure GEA followed immediately by Essure hysteroscopic sterilization. Patients returned 3 months after the procedure for hysterosalpingography (HSG) to document tubal occlusion.

Measurements and main results: The inserts were placed successfully in all 25 patients; 21 returned for 3-month follow-up HSG, as recommended. Bilateral tubal occlusion was documented at 3 months in 19 patients (90%) and unilateral occlusion in 2 patients. Six-month postprocedural HSG in these 2 patients documented bilateral tubal occlusion. Hysterosalpingography was not performed in 4 patients. In all 21 patients with appropriate follow-up, complete occlusion was documented, and the ability to perform or interpret HSG was not affected by endometrial ablation.

Conclusion: Essure hysteroscopic sterilization can be safely performed after NovaSure GEA. Intrauterine synechiae do not appear to adversely affect the ability to perform HSG at 3 months or to document tubal occlusion.