Histopathologic changes in fallopian tubes subsequent to sterilization procedures
Stock, R.J.
International Journal of Gynecological Pathology Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists 2(1): 13-27
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0277-1691 PMID: 6874222 DOI: 10.1097/00004347-198301000-00002Document Number: 399199
Longitudinal serial and serial step sections of fallopian tubes from more than 100 patients, subsequent to tubal sterilization procedures, were examined. 13 had pregnancies following their sterilizations. Histologic findings at the previous surgical sites were compatible with what would be expected for a normal healing process. Evidence for a unique tubal epithelial process, as suggested by the terms "endosalpingiosis" or "recanalization," was lacking. Likewise, the author found no evidence of tuboperitoneal fistula formation and/or the subsequent occurrence of pregnancy secondary to localized endometriosis. The histologic notations of proximal luminal dilatation, plical attenuation, chronic inflammatory infiltrates with pseudopolyp formation, and the findings of plical thickening in the distal segment of remaining tube after an interruption type procedure seem to be associated with the length of time from the sterilization procedure. These may be factors related to the apparent reduced success rate, with time, of microsurgical reanastomotic procedures.