A cohort study on inflammatory response and coagulation function changes in women with silver clip or silk ligation...

To investigate the long-term systemic effects of tubal sterilisation using the silver clip technique, a commonly used yet understudied permanent contraceptive method, by evaluating its impact on inflammatory responses and coagulation function.

A multicentre ambispective cohort study will be conducted in ten hospitals. Women with a history of silver clip sterilisation, silk ligation, or condom contraception who require surgical management for benign gynaecological diseases will be recruited. Participants will be followed up at 1 day, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Key measurements will include serum silver concentrations (via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), cytokine levels (e.g. tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6), and comprehensive coagulation profiles, assessed preoperatively and throughout the follow-up period. The data obtained will characterise baseline and longitudinal changes in systemic silver concentrations, inflammatory cytokines, and coagulation parameters. Analyses will compare these outcomes across the silver clip, silk ligation, and condom contraception groups, and evaluate their associations with intraoperative findings (tissue stereology and pelvic adhesions) and adverse events.

This study will provide evidence to support long-term safety monitoring of silver levels in women who have undergone silver clip sterilisation. It may increase awareness of potential health concerns, including inflammation and coagulation abnormalities. The findings may also contribute to the development of updated contraceptive guidelines for policymakers and women of childbearing age.