Hysteroscopic tubal sterilization.

This article provides an overview of the history of hysteroscopic sterilization including the current state of the art and future ideals. Unlike laparoscopic techniques, sterilization by hysteroscopy can be performed in an outpatient setting without general anesthesia. Many attempts have been made to develop a safe and effective method, but until recently, without success. The Essure system is the first one that seems to be a realistic alternative to laparoscopic sterilization, but is irreversible. The search is still on for the optimum method of hysteroscopic sterilization.