Microlaparoscopic technique for partial salpingectomy using bipolar electrocoagulation

To describe a technique of performing a partial salpingectomy using a small-diameter (2-mm) laparoscope and bipolar electrocoagulation.

Sixty consecutive women desiring permanent sterilization underwent laparoscopic partial salpingectomy using a 2-mm transumbilical laparoscope and secondary midline sites suprapubically and midway above the pubis. A midportion of the tube was coagulated using Kleppinger forceps, transected with scissors and removed using grasping forceps.

Additional time to remove both coagulated tubal segments averaged 4 minutes (range, 3-10). Each segment (mean, 1.5 cm; range, 0.9-2.4 cm) was confirmed in the operating room, then histologically. The transected tubal edges were separated with no thermal injury to nearby structures and with no mesosalpingeal hemorrhage. No cases required conversion from microlaparoscopy to a traditional method, and recovery time was not prolonged. The puncture sites healed well without sutures.

Successful removal of electrocoagulated tubal segments with histologic confirmation was undertaken microlaparoscopically, with minimal additional operative time.