Abstract: A method of operating a wellbore formed in an earth formation is disclosed. The wellbore is provided with a tubular element in which a wellbore device is to be arranged such that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation. The method comprises extending the elongate member through the tubular element so as to carry out said wellbore operation, removing the elongate member from the tubular element, providing the wellbore device at the outer surface thereof with a swelleable seal susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid, and installing the wellbore device in the tubular element, and inducing the swelleable seal to swell by virtue of contact of the swelleable seal with the selected fluid.