Tubal ring sterilization: experience with 10,086 cases.

The safety and efficacy of the Silastic ring were examined for interval, postabortion, and postpartum sterilizations. The study includes an in-depth analysis of 10,086 cases generated by 51 collaborating institutions in 23 countries. Failure of the tubal ring is studied via the life-table method, although follow-up is limited to a relatively short period. Difficulties encountered when applying the ring, particularly those resulting in technical failure, are explored in detail. Surgical complications, infection, menstrual irregularity and abnormal bleeding, and pelvic surgery following sterilization are discussed. Comparisons are made among various approaches to the fallopian tubes. Such data are found to be similar to those for other occlusion techniques, demonstrating the comparable safety and efficacy of tubal ring sterilization.