Essure Removal Surgery
Essure / Adiana Tubal Reversal
Essure Removal at NCCRM
At the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine (NCCRM), we understand the challenges many women face after undergoing Essure sterilization. While Essure was designed to be a permanent form of birth control, some women have reported painful or serious complications. Our experienced surgical team offers a safe and effective solution through Essure removal surgery, helping women find relief and restore their quality of life.
FDA Experts to Review Safety of Essure Birth Control Implant. Read the full article HERE.
What is Essure and Adiana?
Essure is a non-surgical form of permanent birth control introduced in 2002. The procedure involves placing small metal and fiber coils into each fallopian tube. Over the course of three months, scar tissue develops around the coils, creating a barrier that blocks sperm from reaching the egg.
The device contains three parts:
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A plastic inner fiber
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A flexible stainless-steel inner coil
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An outer nickel-titanium alloy coil
Essure gained popularity because the procedure did not require anesthesia, incisions, or hormones, and was performed in-office as a cost-effective alternative to tubal ligation. With a reported pregnancy prevention rate of 99.83%, it was initially considered highly effective.
Adiana was another non-surgical form of permanent birth control, approved by the FDA in 2009. The procedure involved placing a small, soft silicone insert into each fallopian tube using a catheter. Once in place, low-level radiofrequency energy was applied to create a tiny amount of scar tissue around the insert. Over time, this scar tissue permanently blocked the tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
The Adiana system included two components:
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A silicone matrix insert placed in each fallopian tube
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Radiofrequency energy delivered through a specialized catheter to stimulate scar tissue growth
Like Essure, Adiana was designed as an in-office procedure without incisions, anesthesia, or hormones. It was marketed as a less invasive and cost-effective alternative to surgical sterilization. However, the device was discontinued in 2012 due to limited market adoption and ongoing concerns about long-term effectiveness and safety.
Essure and Adiana Complications
Since its approval, many women have shared troubling side effects associated with Essure and Adiana, including:
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Chronic pelvic or abdominal pain
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Severe headaches
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Abnormal bleeding or menstrual irregularities
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Device breakage or improper placement
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Hemorrhage
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Fatigue, depression, or weight changes
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Allergic reactions (nickel sensitivity)
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Rare but serious complications, such as organ perforation
The FDA has acknowledged reports of these complications. While it continues to consider Essure a form of permanent birth control, women experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical evaluation.
Essure or Adiana Surgical Options
Removing Essure requires surgery performed under general anesthesia. Because the device becomes embedded in the fallopian tubes over time, a meticulous approach is necessary to ensure that all components and fragments are entirely removed. At NCCRM, Dr. Sameh Toma, a highly skilled microsurgeon with decades of experience, specializes in Essure and Adiana removal. The procedure is performed through a small “bikini-line” incision (2–4 inches) and typically lasts about an hour. Recovery usually takes five to seven days.
Tubal Occlusion (For Permanent Contraception)
For women who do not wish to become pregnant in the future, tubal occlusion provides a permanent form of birth control. This procedure closes or blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from meeting sperm. It is a safe and effective solution for women who are certain their families are complete.
Tubal Reconstruction (For Restoring Fertility)
For women who desire to become pregnant after a previous sterilization procedure, tubal reconstruction surgery can reconnect the fallopian tubes. Using advanced microsurgical techniques, our surgeons restore the natural function of the tubes, giving women the opportunity to conceive without the need for IVF.
Next Steps
If you are experiencing complications from Essure or are considering fertility restoration, NCCRM is here to help. Please complete our secure online instant quote and eligibility form to begin the process.
FAQs For Essure Removal Surgery
Will removing Essure improve my symptoms?
While results vary, most women experience relief after Essure removal. However, symptom improvement cannot be guaranteed.
Will Essure removal restore my fertility?
Not automatically. Essure removal alone does not reconnect the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Fertility restoration requires Essure removal with tubal reconstruction.
Why is it essential that a microsurgeon perform the procedure?
Essure has multiple components that can fracture if not removed carefully and thoroughly. A microsurgeon ensures complete removal, reducing the risk of ongoing symptoms.
Do I need a hysterectomy to remove Essure?
Not necessarily. Some physicians recommend a hysterectomy, especially if other conditions, such as fibroids or cysts, are present. However, hysterectomy is more invasive and carries higher risks than microsurgical Essure removal.
Should I have Essure removed before IVF?
Yes. If you plan to undergo IVF, Essure should be removed first to optimize your chances of success.