Transcervical recanalization of strictures in the postoperative fallopian tube.

PURPOSE: To evaluate use of transcervical recanalization in patients with reocclusion of the proximal fallopian tube after failed surgery to reverse sterilization or failed tuboplasty to treat inflammatory disease.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The standard technique for transcervical recanalization was attempted in seven patients after failed reversal surgery and in 12 after failed tuboplasty. Four of seven patients with failed reversal surgery had fistular tracts and one also had a stricture; the remaining three patients and all 12 patients treated after failed tuboplasty and tube reimplantation had strictures at the site of implantation or anastomosis.

RESULTS

Transcervical recanalization failed in all patients with fistulas but succeeded in 13 of 15 with stenoses. Three patients became pregnant 1-16 months after recanalization and two after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Reocclusion occurred in two of 10 patients reexamined 6-36 months after recanalization.

CONCLUSION

Transcervical recanalization is recommended as an alternative to repeat microsurgical reimplantation or tuboplasty.