Improving Falope-Ring application in laparoscopy training

Laparoscopic Falope-Ring sterilization was performed by residents on 71 women. Immediately following application of the ring, methylene blue was injected through the cervix to assess tubal patency. Unilateral spillage of the dye was demonstrated in four patients (5.6%). In these instances a new ring was applied, or the tube was tied surgically. The high rate of tubal patency was attributed to the surgeons' inexperience. The findings suggest that the use of a patency test as an adjunct to sterilization with the Falope-Ring in training programs is likely to decrease the rate of surgical failures.