Tubal sterilization by selective catheterization in an animal model.

RATIONAL AND OBJECTIVES

The feasibility of tubal occlusion by selective salpingography was tested in an animal model; three novel occluding materials also were tested for this application.

METHODS

Unilateral selective salpingography was performed in three groups of six rabbits; fallopian tubes were embolized with ethanol (group 1), a hydrogel (group 2), or an occluding emulsion (Ethibloc, Laboratoire Princeps, Neuilly sur Seine, France) (group 3). Animals were killed 2 days or 30 days after the procedure, according to randomization; tubal patency and histologic modifications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Selective tubal catheterization was obtained in 100% of the cases. In group 1, no satisfactory occlusion was obtained; in group 2, 65% of the tubes were occluded with little histologic damage; in group 3, 80% of the tubes were occluded, but significant inflammation and tissue necrosis were noted.

CONCLUSION

Selective salpingography proved a suitable method for gaining access to the fallopian tube and allowed selective injection of occluding materials. More research is needed to determine a suitable occluding material, focusing on biocompatibility and on long-term efficacy.