The effect of surgical sterilization on ovarian function: a rat model

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of various methods of sterilization on ovarian function, in a rat model.

Study design: Forty-eight female Whistar albino rats weighing 200-250g are divided equally into four groups. All rats underwent laparotomy, while no specific intervention was made to the first group. Bilateral tubal ligation by Pomeroy's technique, unipolar and bipolar cautery was done to the second, third and fourth groups, respectively. All rats were then individually caged and fed on demand for 6 months. Afterwards, the rats were sacrificed and underwent bilateral oophorectomy. A pathologist blinded to the groups made histological examination by counting number of healthy tertiary follicles and corpora lutea in each ovary. The results of the groups were statistically compared by one-way ANOVA using post-hoc Bonferroni correction.

Results: Rats in group 1 had significantly higher number of healthy tertiary follicles than every other group. Rats in group 1 also had significantly more corpora lutea than those in group 3.

Conclusion: Tubal ligation may affect ovarian function, which in turn may reflect to ovarian histology in rats.