Failures following fimbriectomy

From 1970 through 1973, 388 bilateral fimbriectomies were performed. By the end of 1974, seven pregnancies had occurred, and in four of these patients a resterilization laparotomy was performed. All four cases showed a unilateral tuboperitoneal fistula. These fistulas were examined and compared morphologically with congenital tuboperitoneal fistulas. This proved that all four fistulas were acquired and that they were probably caused by the catgut ligatures used for ampullary ligation. The rather frequent occurrence of hydrosalpinx after fimbriectomy is mentioned. Finally, it seems of questionable advantage to resect the infundibulum as part of a fimbriectomy using the three-ligature technique.