Tubal sterilization by means of endoluminal coagulation: an in vivo study in rabbits

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoluminal tubal coagulation in obliterating the tubal lumen in rabbits. Forty female rabbits were subjected to laparotomy and hysterotomy. Endoluminal tubal coagulation was induced over a length of 3 cm in the proximal, extramural fallopian tube by using a heated stainless steel cannula or a cylindrical diffusing tip emitting argon laser radiation for one to 5 minutes. Tubal patency was evaluated by observing patterns of injected methylene blue and/or breeding success rates. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all animals. A negative methylene blue test indicated occlusion in 51 of 52 tubes (tubal occlusion rate 98.1%), and a contraception rate of 100% in all 17 uteri in which the tube had been treated. The described endoluminal tubal coagulation method proved suitable for safe and effective sterilization in rabbits and has potential as a new transcervical tubal sterilization method for humans.