[Migrating clips; a complication following sterilization].

Abstract

Almost twenty thousand laparoscopic sterilizations are performed in the Netherlands yearly. The use of clips (Filshie clips) is increasingly common and has replaced coagulation in many institutes. In spite of the fact that the method is known to provide a permanent form of contraception, women and gynaecologists are uneasy about the method, as a result of the publicity around some pregnancies having occurred after tubal sterilisation and the ensuing liability suits. The laparoscopic findings in two patients with migrating clips are presented. It is indicated how accuracy and documentation of the laparoscopic sterilisation may be increased. This is of utmost importance in view of the legal consequences of failure.