[Is tubal sterilization with the Tupla-clip a reversible method?]

Between 1976 and 1981 402 tubal sterilizations were performed with Tupla-clip most of them by laparoscopic application. 11 tubes were removed between 15 and 47 months following the sterilization with the Tupla-clip. The local changes both macroscopically and microscopically to the tupla-clip were evaluated. The possibility of tubal patency following removal of the clips was tested by carbon dioxide pertubation. The tubal-occlusion with the tupla-clip is definitive since all tubes had a fibrous tissue strand where the clip had been applied which still carried blood vessels. No tube was patent with the carbon dioxide pertubation. The intra-operative testing of correct application of the clip and the documentation of this correct application is again mentioned. This is especially important in view of the recent judgements of the federal supreme court regarding liability in failed tubal sterilizations. The excellent chance of reversal by tubal anastomosis and the 100% success rate of this method of sterilization within the 6 years under observation will increase the acceptance of the tupla-clip as a method for tubal sterilizations.