Tubal patency following "uchida" tubal ligation

Three cases of tubal patency following Uchida-type tubal ligation were identified. A histopathologic study of the excised segments in question revealed incomplete transecton of the tube. Modification of the Uchida procedure by attempting to remove a small segment of tube led to simple unroofing of the fallopian tube. This procedural defect was suspected by the presence of incomplete lumens in the tubal segments initially submitted to pathology. The author stresses the importance of proper exchange of information between the surgeon and pathologist to avoid tubal ligation failures that could be identified and otherwise prevented.