[Pathology of proximal tubal occlusion--morphologic evaluation. Results following microsurgical anastomosis]

Even today, the etiology of proximal tubal occlusion is still a controversial subject. The introduction of microsurgery in gynecology has provided a method of eliminating the main symptom of proximal tubal occlusion, i.e., sterility. Pregnancy rates of 25-30% can be achieved in overall patient collectives. Accurate histologic analyses of the specimens are essential for clinicopathological classification in three prognosis groups. For stage I patients, pregnancy rates of up to 50% (patient-related) can be achieved. Postoperative counseling can thus be differentiated on the basis of the histological results. For stage III patients the pregnancy rate is unlikely to be acceptable, even after waiting for a prolonged period of time. It has not been established whether reconstructive tubal surgery or alternative therapeutic procedures (I.V.F. and E.T.) have better chances of success in stage II. Accurate histologic analysis of the surgical specimens is an essential prerequisite for individualized sterility counseling and therapy.