A single continuous suture as a possible alternative to the interrupted suture for tubal anastomosis

A simple alternative for microsurgical anastomosis of the fallopian tube is presented. The anastomosis is composed of a single continuous suture (8-0 nylon) extending through the serosa and muscularis, avoiding the mucosa. Experimentally this technique was performed on the uterine horns of 30 female rats and compared with the conventional interrupted suture technique on 30 additional female rats. Patency was established histologically in 100% of operated horns in both groups, with an average nidation index of 0.7 in the study group as compared with 0.6 in the conventional technique group. The results indicate that this simple method of anastomosis, which reduces operative time significantly, does not affect patency or nidation index in this model as compared with the conventional interrupted suture technique. It may, therefore, be a suitable procedure for anastomosis of equal-sized segments of the fallopian tubes, especially in cases of reversal of sterilization.