How is the copper chain implanted?
In an informative conversation at the beginning of the treatment, the patient is informed about the implantation procedure and possible risks. She must then sign a consent form. Another prerequisite for the implantation of a copper chain is an inconspicuous cancer smear, which must not be older than one year.
Before the procedure, the gynecologist will carry out an examination of the uterus and assess whether GyneFix® can be implanted. The time of implantation depends on the cycle, as the uterine wall must be a certain thickness to anchor the chain. If the wall thickness is too thin, there is a risk of perforation.
The best time is at the end of the second half of the cycle. To insert the GyneFix®, the vagina is disinfected and an application instrument is inserted into the uterus. The copper chain is inserted into the uterus through this instrument.
Using a small needle, the chain is inserted about one centimeter deep into the uterine wall. A GyneFix® consists of several small copper rings that are threaded onto a surgical thread and anchored to the top of the uterus by means of this thread. The copper chain is attached so that only one end of the thread is implanted in the uterus, while the other end remains loose.
The muscle grows together around the knot and thus anchors the GyneFix® in the tissue. There is a small piece of metal on the anchoring node, which is visible in the ultrasound. This allows the correct position of the GyneFix® within the uterus to be assessed immediately after implantation. The procedure is quick and the total treatment time including preliminary consultation is about one hour.
Pain during insertion
The copper chain is anchored at one end by a knot in the uterus. Since this procedure involves puncturing the uterine muscle, the insertion of GyneFix® often causes pain. In order to keep the pain as low as possible, the gynaecologist performs a local anaesthetic before the procedure.
For this, a local anaesthetic is injected in the area of the inner and outer cervix. A short general anaesthetic is only used for particularly anxious women or women with increased pain. In most cases a short general anaesthetic is not necessary.
Some women report a short, stab-like pain when GyneFix® is anchored. It is difficult to say in advance whether and how severe this pain will be, since every woman reacts differently to the implantation. The intensity of the pain may also be related to the time of insertion.
Implantation during menstruation is probably associated with less pain. Very strong pain when inserting the copper chain can be an indication of a perforation. The uterine wall is pierced and a hole is formed which opens into the abdominal cavity.
If the perforation is detected and treated immediately during the procedure, the wound usually heals without complications. If the perforation is not noticed until later, patients suffer from severe abdominal pain and increased bleeding. However, since GyneFix® may only be used by specially trained gynecologists, the risk of perforation during implantation is very low.
