A critical appraisal of hysteroscopic tubal fulguration for sterilization

Abstract

Twenty-seven women who requested sterilization and agreed to the use of an investigational method had hysteroscopic tubal fulguration in the outpatient clinic under local anesthesia. Until tubal closure could be verified three to five months posthysteroscopy, all patients were instructed to use an additional contraceptive method. Follow-up was available in 23 patients. Using general anesthesia, repeat hysteroscopy and laparoscopy was performed in 16 patients. In 69% of these 16 patients, sinus tracts and uterine defects were found. Coupled with a high patency rate, these findings are of such magnitude that further modification of technique and/or instrumentation are necessary before this new method of transuterine sterilization can be used clinically.