[Is tubal sterilization with the Tupla-clip a reversible method?].

: Between 1976-81, 402 tubal sterilizations were performed with the Tupla clip, most of them by laparoscopy. 11 tubes were removed between 15-47 months after the Tupla clip sterilization. The local changes both macroscopically and microscopically to the Tupla clip were evaluated. The possiblity of tubal patency following removal of the clips was tested by carbon dioxide pertubation. The tubal occlusion with the clip is definitive since all tubes had a fibrous tissue strand where the clip had been applied and which still carried blood vessels. No tube was patent with the carbon dioxide pertubation. The intraoperative testing of correct application of the clip and the documentation of this correct application is mentioned again. This is especially important in view of the recent judgements of the federal supreme court regarding liability in failed tubal sterilizations. The excellent chance of reversal by tubal anastomosis and the 100% success rate of this sterilization method within the 6 years under observation will increase the acceptance of the Tupla clip as a method for tubal sterilization. (author's)