Patient acceptance of laparoscopic tubal fulguration versus falope-ring banding.

One hundred fifty patients were included in a double-blind study to evaluate whether they were more comfortable being sterilized by fulguration or by Falope-Ring banding. They were also studied to see if 4% Xylocaine applied to the tubes was helpful in decreasing the discomfort with banding as it has been shown to be with fulguration. The results confirmed the clinical impression that banding is very painful to the patient at the time of application and for the ensuing 24 hours. Although 4% Xylocaine is very helpful in reducing this discomfort at first, the effect is not lasting. Blood levels of Xylocaine were determined and shown to be well below the accepted toxic level. Fulguration remains the most comfortable form of laparoscopic tubal interruption.