Fifteen-minute 'female vasectomy' then back to work the next day

Published on Thursday 16 April 2009 22:02

A MOTHER of two has become the first in the UK to be sterilised in a new procedure dubbed the "female vasectomy".

Natalie Read, 37, became the first patient in the country to undergo the Adiana treatment.

Mrs Read said the "female vasectomy" was perfect for her, as she was unable to take oral contraceptives.

Mrs Read, a travel consultant, said: "When I found out about Adiana being piloted I had no second thoughts. I am unable to take oral contraceptives and this option was the perfect choice for me. I think it's fantastic. I was expecting more discomfort but just feel a mild ache at the moment."

The traditional means of sterilisation, known as bilateral tubal ligation, usually requires about five days' recuperation.

But patients who undergo the 15-minute Adiana procedure should be able to return to work within a day.

Mrs Read added: "The operation is on a par with a vasectomy because it is so quick and uncomplicated.

"A few days later I was able to spend a weekend in France."

The first procedure was performed by Phil Robarts, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at St John's Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex.

Twelve hospitals and 16 consultants have been trained to use the system in the UK but Mr Robarts became the first to carry it out on a patient.

The permanent procedure can be performed on women under local anaesthetic in a hospital or clinic.

Unlike traditional sterilisation, in which one or two cuts are made to the stomach, Adiana is performed without cutting through the skin.

A tiny piece of silicon, the size of a grain of rice, is inserted in the fallopian tube and healthy tissue grows around it, causing a permanent blockage meaning eggs do not reach the womb. It leaves no scars.

Following the success of the first patient, another mother, Lucy Barrett, from Braintree, Essex, has undergone the procedure.

She said: "I'm 42 and have two lovely boys. I am unable to take oral contraceptives and so my GP referred me to Mr Robarts.

"Apart from some mild stomach cramps, I feel absolutely fine."

The procedure was carried out under general anaesthetic but the hospital hopes it will soon be able to offer it as an outpatient treatment.

Mr Robarts said: "I believe Adiana is an sensible and safe option for women who wish to be sterilised."

Mr Robarts anticipates that up to 500 Adiana procedures will be performed each year by the consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists at the hospital.