Selective tubal sterilization in rabbits: experience with a hydrogel combined with a sclerosing agent

Abstract

Purpose: To test a method of nonsurgical sterilization.

Materials and methods: A hydrogel that forms an in situ plug by phase inversion of a polymer solution was placed into fallopian tubes of eight rabbits by means of transvaginal rabbits by means of transvaginal fluoroscopic fallopian tube catheterization. The rabbits were bred, and the presence of embryos was confirmed with palpation and at autopsy.

Results: Seven of the eight rabbits became pregnant. Six of these rabbits contained embryos in the control uterus but not in the uterus on the side of the hydrogel injection. The seventh rabbit had embryos in both uteri, but the hydrogel had been expelled. All seven tubes that contained hydrogel showed evidence of acute and chronic salpingitis and a foreign-body reaction. The tube from which hydrogel had been expelled and the eight control tubes were not inflamed.

Conclusion: Transcervical catheter methods of tubal occlusion and sterilization are promising, but a non-reactive material is needed.