An unusual complication of tubal anastomosis.
OBJECTIVE
To report an unusual complication associated with the use of a long-term intrafallopian stent during microsurgical tubal anastomosis.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Tertiary academic center.


METHODS
A 36-year-old woman in whom an intrafallopian stent used during a sterilization reversal procedure could not be transcervically retrieved in the office.


METHODS
Hysteroscopic evaluation for removal of intrafallopian stent, followed by operative laparoscopy for postoperative abdominal pain.


METHODS
Patient symptoms, potential for morbidity, and review of the literature.


RESULTS
Hysteroscopic view of the uterine cavity failed to identify the intrafallopian stent. Laporoscopic evaluation of postoperative abdominal pain revealed significant formation of pelvic and abdominal adhesions. The 2-0 nylon suture used as an intrafallopian stent was seen sitting freely on top of the liver serosa. Adhesiolysis and successful retrieval of the stent resolved the patient's symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first report describing complete dislodgment and cephalad migration of an intrafallopian stent. Patient morbidity and health care costs may increase when long-term stents are used for sterilization reversal.
Jurema
Marcus W
MW
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Vlahos
Nikos P
NP
D015746:Abdominal Pain; D000328:Adult; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D010535:Laparoscopy; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013243:Sterilization Reversal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods