Could the anatomic location of Essure® device explain the impairment of quality of life?

Background: Since health-related quality of life (HRQL) could improve after removal of Essure (Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany) inserts in symptomatic patients, we aimed to assess whether such postoperative enhancement was linked to the anatomic placement of the device.

Methods: Correct and incorrect placed Essure (Bayer) were identified in the electronic database of the French cohort Ablimco (cohort of consenting patients with laparoscopic Essure [Bayer] removal). HRQL, pain and heavy menstrual bleeding were evaluated after Essure (Bayer) removal with validated quality of life questionnaires (Short Form12 Questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale, French version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the pictorial blood assessment chart PBAC).

Results: Sixty-five patients were included in the study divided in two groups (group A with correct placement: 45 patients and group B with incorrect placement: 20 patients). HRQL and Pain Index were improved in both groups at 6 months post-surgery. There was not any statistically significant difference between group A and B. The PBAC score increased at 6 months postoperatively in group A and B without any statistically significant difference between them.

Conclusions: Postoperative improvement of quality of life and pain index was similar whatever the position of the implant. This suggests that symptomatology and quality of life are not related to the anatomic location of the Essure (Bayer) implants.