Prospective randomized, controlled study of postoperative pain after titanium silicone rubber clip or Silastic ring tubal occlusion.

Objective: To determine if laparoscopic sterilization using the Filshie clip causes less postoperative pain as compared to the Falope ring during the first 24 h after surgery.

Study Design: Forty subjects were enrolled. Five milliliters of 0.5% bupivicaine was injected at each of the two incision sites and 5 mL was dripped onto each fallopian tube. Subjects then received one Filshie clip and Falope ring on opposite fallopian tubes; the side of occlusion was randomized. Subjects were questioned about pain prior to the first administration of analgesics postoperatively, 1 and 2 h after surgery, at discharge, and 24 h after surgery.

Results: Forty subjects completed the study; 32 without major deviations from protocol. There was no significant difference in pain between sides with the Filshie clip or Falope ring at any times evaluated.

Conclusion: There was no significant reduction in the postoperative pain associated with the Filshie clip as compared to the Falope ring within 24 h after surgery.