Histopathological changes in ovary and endometrium after tubal ligation: a rat model

Background. To evaluate the histopathological effects of tubal ligation on ovary and endometrium in a rat model. Methods. Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats weighing 220-260 g were used. The rats were assigned randomly into tubal ligation and control groups. While tubal ligation was applied to the first group of rats, only a laparotomy was performed in the second group. Six weeks later, a second laparotomy was performed and uterine horns and ovaries of the rats in the two groups were excised for histopathological assessment. A pathologist blinded to the groups made histopathological examination including quantification of endometrial phases, presence of endometrial inflammation and counting the number of tertiary follicles and corpora lutea in each ovary. Results. We found no significant difference between tubal ligation and control groups related to the number of tertiary follicles and corpora lutea (p>0.05). However, in the tubal ligation group, endometrial inflammatory infiltration was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion. Tubal ligation does not affect ovarian histology as an indicator of ovarian function. However, endometrial inflammation may occur after tubal ligation and lead to menstrual irregularities as an early complication.