[Comparison of temperature measurements during laparoscopic sterilization and the histologic findings of the cauterized segments of the fallopian tube (author's transl)]

During laparotomies the temperature generated by tubal sterilization with the laparoscopic equipment was measured continually in 32 fallopian tubes. The thermal damage to the fallopian tube caused by different energies and coagulation durations was examined microscopically. During the coagulation of the fallopian tube, with an energy of 20-30 watt temperatures of around 100 degrees C are produced at the point of coagulation. The effective coagulation time is dependant upon the energy created and the duration of the coagulation. The best histologic results were obtained with a duration of the coagulation of 60 seconds at an energy of 30 watts. This corresponds to an effective coagulation time of 50 seconds. The temperature of the coagulation instrument becomes normal within 1 to 2 minutes after the coagulation. If the electric energy is increased to 50 or 100 watt, sparking is observed almost consistently. With these energies, temperatures up to 600 degrees C are observed. The temperature of the metal parts of the coagulation forceps then become normal after 3-4 minutes. In order to avoid burns during laparoscopic tubal sterilizations and in order to obtain a good histologic result the procedure should be done with an electrical energy of 30 watt and a duration of the coagulation of 60 seconds.Temperatures generated by laparoscopic equipment during tubal sterilization were measured continually in 32 Fallopian tubes. Thermal damage to the tubes caused by varying energies and coagulation durations was examined microscopically. Energies of 20-30 watts produce temperatures of about 100 degrees C at the point of coagulation. The best histologic results were obtained when coagulation took 60 seconds at 30 watts (effective coagulation time of 50 seconds). Instrument temperature returns to normal 1-2 minutes after coagulation. At higher energies, sparking occurs consistently, tubal temperatures up to 600 degrees C are observed, and instrumental temperature remains high for 3-4 minutes. To avoid burns and to obtain good histologic results during laparoscopic tubal sterilization, energies of 30 watts should be used with a 60-second coagulation time.