Hysteroscopic sterilization

Abstract

Despite the numerous painstaking evaluative trials that were conducted for more than two decades, hysteroscopic sterilization techniques remain more of a concept than a reality. However, it is likely that transcervical methods will continue to attract the investigator who is interested in simple, inexpensive outpatient office or female sterilization procedures in the clinic. Regardless, the cost of clinical trials, required follow-up, and preclinical toxicologic evaluations may continue to inhibit further research in this area.

PIP: Hysteroscopic sterilization remains more of a concept than a practical reality despite an approach which seemed to offer minimal intervention, low cost, potential reversibility, a high effectiveness rate, and a low rate of complication. Clinical experience has, however, been lacking on the approach's effectiveness and rate of complication. The initial enthusiasm for hysteroscopic operations was based in part on a set of circumstances which have made hysteroscopy increasingly popular worldwide for diagnostic and surgical interventions. It is simple, requires minimal if any anesthesia, is adaptable to the outpatient setting, and has an operative risk substantially lower than that of laparotomy. This paper surveys the destructive and occlusive methods of hysteroscopic sterilization, problems common to hysteroscopic sterilization operations, and the future.