How are oestradiol implants introduced?

How are oestradiol implants introduced?

Beforehysterectomy , if the ovaries are to be removed, most patients would be offered a subcutaneous (under the skin) oestradiol implant. Subsequently, these implants are introduced on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic. A half-inch incision is required and a small tube is introduced under the skin. The implant is then inserted down the tube. The wound may require one or two stitches. We generally make the small incision low down on the abdominal wall but some prefer them high and to the side of the buttock area. In our department atWhippsCrossHospital 800 oestradiol implants are introduced each year. They may be introduced at between six- and twelve-month intervals. The oestradiol implants are available in 25, 50 and 100mg pellets, the largest being the size of an airgun pellet which are few millimetres long.

Figures showing insertion of oestradiol implant.

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