Tubal occlusion with silicone rubber: an update.

Abstract

Patients underwent tubal sterilization with silicone rubber plugs and throughout the series, women received a paracervical block with 1% lidocaine in 1:100,000 epinephrine for anesthesia. Patients used contraception for 3 months after the procedure and when contraception was later terminated, they were followed at regular 6-month intervals. A successful bilateral procedure was accomplished on 99 of 135 patients. Problems preventing successful completion included natural occlusion, anatomic problems, and diseased tubes. Review of the cases indicated that 4 types of abnormal plug formation were experienced: extravasation, reflux, diseased, and the slow gel type. However, the authors now know how to prevent the 1st; how to deal with reflux and slow gel plugs (remove and replace); and that this particular method of sterilization is not suitable for those with diseased tubes. The procedure offers very low risk to the patients and it is a safe, simple procedure.