Small bowel obstruction subsequent to Essure microinsert sterilization: A case report

Objective: To report a case of small bowel obstruction (SBO) subsequent to Essure microinsert sterilization. Design: Case report. Setting: University teaching hospital. Patient(s): A 38-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 1, with a history of pelvic pain, vaginal spotting, nausea, vomiting, and constipation 1 month after Essure hysteroscopic sterilization. Intervention(s): Radiologic investigation, including a computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis, followed by operative laparoscopy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Alleviation of the SBO. Result(s): Radiologic investigation suggested a distal SBO, with the left Essure microinsert noted in the left lower pelvis. These findings, including an inflamed appendix, were confirmed at operative laparoscopy. Lysis of adhesions, removal of the Essure microinsert, appendectomy, and left salpingectomy were performed. Conclusion(s): This case is reported to increase awareness that SBO is a potential complication of Essure microinsert placement.