Laparoscopic Sterilisation

Hysteroscopic sterilisation is a method of female sterilisation for women wanting permanent contraception. The procedure is performed in the out-patient clinic, usually without anaesthetic and involves the insertion of a small telescope (a hysteroscope) through the neck of the womb into the uterine cavity. Small devices are then placed into the entrance to the tubes; these devices block off the tubes over the next 3 months. Women are advised that they will need to use contraception for this time, when a scan or X-ray is performed to check the devices are in the correct place and the tubes are blocked.

Women are advised of the following before they undergo the procedure:

• The procedure is as at least as effective as laparoscopic sterilisation.
• The failure rate is 1:400.
• There is small (1:150) chance that the procedure cannot be performed successfully.
• Contraception needs to be used for the 3 months after the procedure until the check X-ray or ultrasound has been done.
• The procedure is completely irreversible.
• Certain treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding may not be feasible after this sterilisation procedure. However, effective alternatives are still available.

This procedure has been performed in Sheffield for 7 years and provides many advantages over the traditional laparoscopic or keyhole procedure. There is no need for a general anaesthetic and the risks and discomfort of a laparoscopy are avoided.There are two techniques available, Essure and Adiana.