Initial Asian experience in hysteroscopic sterilisation using the Essure permanent birth control device.

Objective: To present our initial experience in the use of the Essure permanent birth control device in a predominately Asian population.

Design: A retrospective study.

Setting: Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.

Population: Eighty women seeking permanent birth control.

Methods: From 22 June 2001, women who sought sterilisation were counselled with regards to the various options of permanent birth control. Informed consent for hysteroscopic sterilisation was obtained only after the woman met the criteria for Essure permanent birth control. The sterilisation procedure was carried out without the need for general anaesthesia in a day surgery centre using the Essure permanent birth control device. The surgical details and post procedure follow up were analysed.

Main Outcome Measures: Feasibility and safety of the Essure permanent birth control device in Asians and its non-placement rate.

Results: No serious adverse events or complications were encountered in using the Essure device. No pregnancies have been reported in our series to date. A significant reduction in the Essure device non-placement rate (20.0%vs 4.0%, P= 0.021) and mean operation time (27.3 vs 19.6 minutes, P= 0.006) were seen when patients were pre-medicated with spasmolytic agent and analgesia.

Conclusions: The Essure permanent birth control device is safe and suitable for Asians. Its non-placement rate may be improved with pre-medication of spasmolytic agent and analgesia.