Chromopertubation at laparoscopic tubal occlusion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of chromopertubation following laparoscopic sterilization in terms of occlusive device displacement, infectious complications, and sterilization failures.


METHODS
Five hundred consecutive women scheduled for laparoscopic sterilization were randomized to rings, electrocoagulation, or clips for tubal occlusion. Subjects were further randomized to chromopertubation or no chromopertubation. At chromopertubation, any occlusive device displacement or dye spillage was noted. Patients were followed postoperatively for sterilization failure or infectious complications. Statistical analysis used the chi 2 test.


RESULTS
At chromopertubation, no device dislodgment, change in position, or dye spillage from the occlusion site was noted. Dye spillage from the end of the fallopian tube occurred in five patients, and immediate repeat tubal occlusion was performed. Six true sterilization failures occurred during the follow-up period. Despite elimination of five apparent failures in the chromopertubation group, there was no significant difference between the no-chromopertubation and chromopertubation groups with regard to failure rate. There were also no significant differences in postoperative wound infections or development of pelvic inflammatory disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Chromopertubation at sterilization is associated with minimal complications but has limited value in eliminating sterilization failures.
Lipscomb
G H
GH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis.
Stovall
T G
TG
Summitt
R L
RL
Ling
F W
FW
D005186:Fallopian Tube Patency Tests / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008751:Methylene Blue; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods
D008751:Methylene Blue