The influence of fallopian tube length on fertility in the rabbit

The correlation between the length of the oviduct and degree of fertility was studied in 16 New Zealand White rabbits subjected to microsurgical resection of differing lengths of fallopian tube involving the isthmus in each case. A highly significant (P less than 0.005) linear correlation was found, suggesting that more than 47% of an oviduct must remain distally before fertility can be anticipated. Absence of the isthmic segment of the fallopian tube was found to be associated with supracervical fetal implantations in the uterus. The importance of the assessment of tubal length as a prelude to reconstructive surgery, especially for reversal of sterilization, is emphasized.