Uncertainty still hangs over future of hysteroscopic sterilization
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Hysteroscopic sterilization is associated with a significantly greater risk of gynecological complications but not medical or surgical complications, compared with laparoscopic sterilization, according to data from a French nationwide cohort study.

SOURCE: Bouillon K et al. JAMA. 2018 Jan 23;319:375-87.

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In 2016, in response to safety concerns about the hysteroscopic sterilization implant Essure, the Food and Drug Administration placed a “black box” warning on the device to highlight potential risks, and a global patient advocacy movement called for a ban on the product. In this environment, there is therefore a need for strong scientific evidence to inform objective decision making.

This study provides reassuring evidence that adverse outcomes are not significantly higher after hysteroscopic sterilization compared with laparoscopic sterilization, at least up to 3 years after the procedure. However, given the powerful and very public grassroots effort to ban the hysteroscopic implant and the possibility of class action litigation, the future of hysteroscopic sterilization is uncertain.

Dr. Eve Espey
Hysteroscopic sterilization is an important contraceptive option and could benefit many women. While the results of the FDA-mandated trial are awaited, this study provides physicians and others who provide contraceptive care with information on the risks and benefits of these procedures to use as part of shared decision-making discussions with patients who are seeking permanent sterilization.

Eve Espey, MD, MPH, and Lisa G. Hofler, MD, MPH, are in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. The comments are taken from an editorial (JAMA. 2018 Jan 23;319[4]:347-50). Dr. Hofler declared personal fees and nonfinancial support from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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In 2016, in response to safety concerns about the hysteroscopic sterilization implant Essure, the Food and Drug Administration placed a “black box” warning on the device to highlight potential risks, and a global patient advocacy movement called for a ban on the product. In this environment, there is therefore a need for strong scientific evidence to inform objective decision making.

This study provides reassuring evidence that adverse outcomes are not significantly higher after hysteroscopic sterilization compared with laparoscopic sterilization, at least up to 3 years after the procedure. However, given the powerful and very public grassroots effort to ban the hysteroscopic implant and the possibility of class action litigation, the future of hysteroscopic sterilization is uncertain.

Dr. Eve Espey
Hysteroscopic sterilization is an important contraceptive option and could benefit many women. While the results of the FDA-mandated trial are awaited, this study provides physicians and others who provide contraceptive care with information on the risks and benefits of these procedures to use as part of shared decision-making discussions with patients who are seeking permanent sterilization.

Eve Espey, MD, MPH, and Lisa G. Hofler, MD, MPH, are in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. The comments are taken from an editorial (JAMA. 2018 Jan 23;319[4]:347-50). Dr. Hofler declared personal fees and nonfinancial support from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Body

 

In 2016, in response to safety concerns about the hysteroscopic sterilization implant Essure, the Food and Drug Administration placed a “black box” warning on the device to highlight potential risks, and a global patient advocacy movement called for a ban on the product. In this environment, there is therefore a need for strong scientific evidence to inform objective decision making.

This study provides reassuring evidence that adverse outcomes are not significantly higher after hysteroscopic sterilization compared with laparoscopic sterilization, at least up to 3 years after the procedure. However, given the powerful and very public grassroots effort to ban the hysteroscopic implant and the possibility of class action litigation, the future of hysteroscopic sterilization is uncertain.

Dr. Eve Espey
Hysteroscopic sterilization is an important contraceptive option and could benefit many women. While the results of the FDA-mandated trial are awaited, this study provides physicians and others who provide contraceptive care with information on the risks and benefits of these procedures to use as part of shared decision-making discussions with patients who are seeking permanent sterilization.

Eve Espey, MD, MPH, and Lisa G. Hofler, MD, MPH, are in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. The comments are taken from an editorial (JAMA. 2018 Jan 23;319[4]:347-50). Dr. Hofler declared personal fees and nonfinancial support from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Uncertainty still hangs over future of hysteroscopic sterilization
Uncertainty still hangs over future of hysteroscopic sterilization

 

Hysteroscopic sterilization is associated with a significantly greater risk of gynecological complications but not medical or surgical complications, compared with laparoscopic sterilization, according to data from a French nationwide cohort study.

SOURCE: Bouillon K et al. JAMA. 2018 Jan 23;319:375-87.

 

Hysteroscopic sterilization is associated with a significantly greater risk of gynecological complications but not medical or surgical complications, compared with laparoscopic sterilization, according to data from a French nationwide cohort study.

SOURCE: Bouillon K et al. JAMA. 2018 Jan 23;319:375-87.

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Key clinical point: Hysteroscopic sterilization is associated with a significantly greater risk of gynecological complications – but not medical or surgical complications – compared with laparoscopic sterilization.

Major finding: The risks of repeat sterilization procedure, sterilization failure, and tubal disorder are higher with hysteroscopic sterilization than with laparoscopic sterilization, but the surgical risks are lower and there are no significant differences in other medical risks.

Data source: Nationwide cohort study of 105,357 women.

Disclosures: One author declared personal fees from Boston Scientific but no other conflicts of interest were declared.

Source: Bouillon K et al. JAMA. 2018 Jan 23;319:375-87.

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