Laparoscopic tubal sterilization using thermal coagulation
Gunning, J.E.; Tomasulo, J.P.; Garite, T.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 54(4): 505-509
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 158718 Document Number: 152651
A new technique, utilizing thermal coagulation provided by a low 6 voltage rechargeable battery pack and disposable cautery hook assembly, was used in performing laparoscopic tubal sterilization on 393 patients during 1975-1977 and found to be a safe and effective procedure. No major complications or burns occurred. 51% of the patients were followed for 12-33 months and no pregnancies attributable to method failure occurred. In order to assess the degree of burn damage resulting from thermal coagulation as compared to burn damage associated with high frequency unipolar electrocautery, 10 patients had the right tube cauterized by thermal coagulation and the left tube by electrocautery. Surgical specimens from both tubes were histologically examined. No significant differences in total gross burn area were observed; however, variation in the degree of individual burns was greater for the high frequency electrocoagulation specimens. For patients interested in the possibility of tubal reanastomosis this variation might be crucial. The surgical procedures involved in using thermal coagulation are described and a table presents the gross burn measurements for both the electrocoagulation and thermal coagulation specimens.