Hysteroscopic sterilization in a large group practice: experience and effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate device placement and tubal occlusion rates for hysteroscopic sterilization and evaluate risk factors for failure.
METHODS: Women undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from January 2004 to December 2006 were identified. Risk factors assessed included age, parity, body mass index (BMI), operative location, and provider experience with the technique. Occlusion was determined by hysterosalpingogram. Univariable analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of successful placement and occlusion. The Cochrane-Armitage test was performed for trend analysis.
RESULTS: Hysteroscopic sterilization was attempted in 884 women by 118 physicians at 30 Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities. The initial placement attempt was successful in 850 patients (96.2%). Patient age, nulliparity, and BMI were not predictive of successful placement. Bilateral occlusion was demonstrated by hysterosalpingogram in 687 of 739 patients (93.0%). There were no significant differences in age, nulliparity, and BMI between those with and without occlusion. Loss to follow-up before a hysterosalpingogram was obtained was 13%. There was no significant increase in occlusion rate with experience (P for trend=.6).
CONCLUSION: High placement and occlusion rates were noted from the first insertions, and success was not related to age, parity, BMI, or operator experience. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.