Pathologic findings in fallopian tubes of women with chronic pelvic pain after Essure placement

Abstract

Background: Pelvic pain has been associated with Essure, a permanent contraceptive implant. Here we describe histopathologic findings in long-term Essure users with chronic pelvic pain. Methods: We descriptively evaluated and compared histopathologic features of hysterectomy specimens removed for a primary diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain from women with (n = 3) and without (n = 3) prior placement of Essure coils (mean of 8.6 years prior). Results: Interstitial fallopian tubes of Essure patients demonstrated fibrosis. Two cases had flattening of ampullary epithelial folds. Tubes of Essure users showed no acute inflammation, but 2/3 showed focal chronic inflammation. All patients had additional findings, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or leiomyomas, that could be associated with pain. Conclusions: Given the minimal and bland inflammation in Essure cases, symptoms may more plausibly be ascribed to confounding gynecologic conditions or other mechanisms.