CHROMOPERTUBATION AT LAPAROSCOPIC TUBAL OCCLUSION

Objective: To evaluate the role of chromopertubation following laparos copic sterilization in terms of occlusive device displacement, infecti ous complications, and sterilization failures. Methods: Five hundred c onsecutive women scheduled for laparoscopic sterilization were randomi zed to rings, electrocoagulation, or clips for tubal occlusion. Subjec ts were further randomized to chromopertubation or no chromopertubatio n. At chromopertubation, any;occlusive device displacement or dye spil lage was noted. Patients were followed postoperatively for sterilizati on failure or infectious complications. Statistical analysis used the chi(2) test. Results: At chromopertubation, no device dislodgment, cha nge in position, or dye spillage from the occlusion site was noted. Dy e spillage from the end of the fallopian tube occurred in five patient s, and immediate repeat tubal occlusion was performed. Six true steril ization failures occurred during the follow-up period. Despite elimina tion of five apparent failures in the chromopertubation group, there w as no significant difference between the no-chromopertubation and chro mopertubation groups with regard to failure rate. There were also no s ignificant differences in postoperative wound infections or developmen t of pelvic inflammatory disease. Conclusion: Chromopertubation at ste rilization is associated with minimal complications but has limited va lue in eliminating sterilization failures.