A pilot study of a novel technique for hysteroscopic sterilization using the distal ends of a copper-T intrauterine device (Ostialoc)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel technique for Hysteroscopic sterilization using the distal ends of a copper-T intrauterine device (Ostialoc). Patient and methodsA pilot study included 11 cases selected and informed about the technique at a tertiary University hospital. Through hysteroscopy, the knobs with the distal 1 cm of Copper-T intrauterine devices (Ostialoc) were inserted into the interstitial part of both fallopian tubes for the tubal block. Patients were evaluated two weeks later by plain X-ray and ultrasound to ensure nonexpulsion of the Ostialoc, then every month for three successive months. The patients were scheduled for HSG at 3 months and one year after the Ostialoc placement to evaluate tubal occlusion. ResultsThe mean age of cases was 39.20 ± 4.09 years, mean parity was 4.48 ± 1.00, and the mean BMI was 28.92 ± 4.31 Kg/m2. The mean operative time was 22.24 ± 5.63 min. The technique was feasible in all cases. The postoperative complications were present in one case suffered from pelvic pain. HSG demonstrated complete block of both fallopian tubes after three months and at one year in 100% of the cases. ConclusionHysteroscopic sterilization using Ostialoc technique seems to be a feasible and effective technique in low resources countries.