Laparoscopic non-microsurgical tubal reanastomosis: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pregnancy rate achieved through laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis using only standard 5 mm laparoscopic instruments and standard suturing material.

METHODS

Data from 100 consecutive laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis procedures done between September 2002 and September 2010 were retrospectively analysed. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon using standard 5 mm laparoscopic instruments and with the placing of three or four sutures of standard polyglycan 4/0 suturing material. The main outcome measures were: (intrauterine) pregnancy rate and live birth rate before and after 40 years of age, and tubal patency rate.

RESULTS

Six patients had no active child wish and six others were lost to follow-up, thus leaving 88 of 100 patients for evaluation. Fifty-eight of these conceived, giving a total pregnancy rate (PR) of 66%. The PR in women younger than 40 years was significantly greater than that achieved by those aged 40 or more (73% vs. 29%, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis with standard 5 mm laparoscopic instruments results in a satisfactory pregnancy rate.