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Simple Procedure Offers Women Minimal Recovery Time and No Scarring

August 8, 2007 (King City, CA) -  Gynecologists can now offer their patients a better form of permanent birth control with a procedure called Essure^® that can be performed in an outpatient setting.   Different from the standard tubal ligation and with no incisions, the procedure is done with local anesthesia and a bit of oral sedation.  Another major advantage is that women generally have no lengthy recovery time, and the procedure is covered by most health insurance plans.

Dr. Leopold Graupera, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mee Memorial Hospital, performed standard tubal ligation for more than 25 years.  “Even when done laparoscopically, tubal ligation is still an invasive surgery”, says Graupera.  “There's always somewhat of a risk of injury to organs, such as to the bowel or bladder, when you do the standard sterilization.  With this procedure, there’s no cutting into the abdomen so patients can make a faster recovery.  It is hormone-free, FDA-approved and is 99.8% effective based on four years of follow up.  I think its a great move forward in terms of contraceptive technology.”

There are two traditional methods for tubal ligation: (1) laparoscopy with 2 incisions made in the abdomen to reach the fallopian tubes, or (2) laparotomy, which is an open surgery that requires a larger incision into the abdomen.  In both methods the tubes are then cut, burned or blocked with a clip or a band.  

With Essure, both patient and physician are able to watch the procedure on a monitor.  The non-surgical approach uses a hysteroscope (camera-tipped instrument) to thread two small wires into the fallopian tubes, all in about 10 minutes. The wires, composed of polyester fibers and metals, cause inflammation and, over time, scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching eggs. There are no incisions, punctures, burning or tying. 

“Essure takes very little time out of women’s busy lives and most women return to their normal activities within one day”, says Graupera.  “We finally have a technique for women that is comparable in simplicity, accessibility and safety to vasectomy in men.”

Dr. Graupera received his medical degree from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, PA.  He is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and is a member of the California Medical Association and the Monterey County Medical Society.  He has been on staff at Mee Memorial Hospital for over 12 years. 

Dr. Graupera provides services at the Mee Memorial Women’s Center in King City and at the Mee Family Health Center in Soledad (also referred to as Mee at Soledad).  He and his colleagues assist women with all their healthcare needs from adolescence through menopause.  In addition to the usual type of obstetric services, Dr. Graupera specializes in gynecological disorders such as pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence and abnormal bleeding.  “Many women suffer with these problems not realizing that they often can be treated with minimally invasive outpatient surgery,” says Graupera.  “Technology for treating such conditions has advanced dramatically over the years.  Women should not hesitate to come in for a consultation.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Graupera or for more information, call the Women’s Center in King City at 831.385.7200 or call Mee at Soledad at 831.678.4500.

Mee Memorial Hospital is a 123-bed, not-for-profit hospital and the anchor facility of Mee Health Systems, a network of healthcare centers, clinics and outreach programs throughout King City, Soledad, Greenfield and Paso Robles.  Its Mee Memorial Cancer Center will open in 2007 in Paso Robles.  Mee Health Systems is committed to the wellness of our community and providing access to comprehensive healthcare in a caring, professional and responsible environment.

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