Essure Removal

Essure is a metallic coil inserted into the fallopian tube for sterilization. The coil causes scar tissue formation, which blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents pregnancy. While a very effective form of contraception, Essure can cause significant side effects, such as pain, heavy bleeding, rashes, nickel sensitivities, fatigue or even autoimmune issues.

Although Essure was designed to be in place permanently (sales of the device halted in 2018), women who experience these troubling symptoms often look into having their Essure coils removed. Most OB/GYNs recommend hysterectomy for women having pain or other symptoms caused by Essure, but there ARE other options.

Veritas Fertility & Surgery offers minimally invasive laparoscopic removal of Essure coils, a significantly lower risk and less aggressive solution to Essure problems. During a 60-90 minute outpatient procedure, Dr. Puthoff uses a CO2 laser to carefully remove the Essure coils and surrounding scar tissue. The technique using the CO2 laser allows for complete and intact removal of the coils, which is essential to achieving the best possible outcome. Some surgeons may try to cut or pull the coils out, which can lead to coil fragmentation, increasing the possibility of leaving behind parts of the Essure coil in the uterus or tube, which can lead to women continuing to have symptoms or in some cases, needing another surgery.

Most women who undergo Essure coil removal with a laparoscopic surgeon with expertise in precision removal will experience complete or near-complete resolution of their symptoms. Dr. Puthoff has had the privilege of caring for many such women. That said, one must understand that there is no way to guarantee that an Essure removal will produce the desired result, and in some cases, this may be an indication that the Essure coils are not responsible for some of the symptoms a woman may be experiencing.

Most women who undergo Essure coil removal with a laparoscopic surgeon with expertise in precision removal will experience complete or near-complete resolution of their symptoms. Dr. Puthoff has had the privilege of caring for many such women. That said, one must understand that there is no way to guarantee that an Essure removal will produce the desired result, and in some cases, this may be an indication that the Essure coils are not responsible for some of the symptoms a woman may be experiencing.

Essure coils cause significant scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes, so removal of Essure coils is not enough to restore fertility.

If pregnancy is your goal, then Dr. Puthoff can perform an Essure reversal, which involves removal of the Essure device and scarred portion of the tubes with subsequent tubo-uterine implantation. By reimplanting the remaining healthy fallopian tubes through the uterine wall, spontaneous pregnancy is possible, although the success rates are less than a normal tubal ligation reversal (approximately 25-30%).

In most cases, yes. When women have documented symptoms such as pelvic pain or heavy periods, thought to be caused by the Essure coils, insurance in most cases will cover the procedure to remove the coils. However, if a woman is wanting an Essure reversal to become pregnant again, that procedure is generally not covered by insurance. For Essure reversals, Veritas Fertility & Surgery offers all-inclusive package pricing.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

“Dr. Puthoff is amazing! He is compassionate, patient, and very intelligent. He seems to really care, and it feels like you’re in good hands. It is reassuring that he is so good at what he does and still allows you to make your own choices.”

“I am very blessed that the Lord brought Dr. Puthoff and his team into my life. His work and the treatment I received made it possible for us to have another child. That is a priceless joy and we couldn’t say thank you enough to Dr. Puthoff.”

“The friendly and welcoming attitude of Dr. Puthoff put me right at ease. He thoroughly explained the procedure and answered all of my questions. I felt extremely confident that he is the right surgeon for my procedure.”

“My husband and I were very pleased with how approachable and comforting Dr. Puthoff was. He took time to listen and to care. We never felt rushed. He gave us hope. That’s what we needed. Thank you Dr. Puthoff for what you do. Your job truly has a lasting impression and gift on your patients.”

“Because of my first visit and the attentive phone calls I have received since, I am confident I am in caring hands for my upcoming surgery. I feel extremely grateful to be getting such amazing care.”

“I always feel involved in my care. Dr. Puthoff has an excellent bedside manner and demonstrates a high level of professionalism.”

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