Tubal lesions subsequent to sterilization and their relation to fertility after attempts at reversal.

Tubal biopsy specimens were obtained at the time of tubal anastomosis in 26 previously sterilized women. Scanning electron microscopy showed that half the patients had abnormalities of tubal mucosa, including loss of mucosal folds, deciliation, and polyposis. These pathologic conditions, the morphologic features of which we describe, significantly increase in incidence the longer the time after sterilization. Our evidence suggests that the sooner reversal is performed after sterilization the greater the change of a successful intrauterine pregnancy.