Question

The following statements are true regarding sterilization by Pomeroy's method, EXCEPT

• A. It is performed with non-absorbable suture material
• B. It does not include crushing of fallopian tube
• C. It has a higher failure rate if performed at the time of caesarean section
• D. It has a failure rate of about 0.1-0.4%

Hint:

Pomeroy's method is defined by an absorbable suture and a consistently low failure rate; check which statements contradict that.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C

This EXCEPT question wants us to spot the statement(s) about Pomeroy's sterilization that do not hold true, out of four claims.

1. Non-absorbable suture material: Pomeroy's whole design rests on using an absorbable suture, usually plain catgut, so the tied ends separate as the suture dissolves and heal apart on their own, cutting down the chance of the tube rejoining. Calling the suture non-absorbable goes against this design, so this claim is false.
2. No crushing of the tube: True. The technique only loops, ties, and cuts the tube; it never crushes the base, which is what sets it apart from a method like Madlener's that does crush without excising.
3. Higher failure rate at caesarean section: False. The low quoted failure rate of Pomeroy's technique, about 0.1 to 0.4%, is the same figure used whether it is done as an interval procedure or along with a caesarean section; the timing is not described as raising its failure rate.
4. Failure rate of about 0.1-0.4%: True, and this is the standard number quoted for this method.

Let's summarize:

• Pomeroy's method uses an absorbable suture, not a non-absorbable one.
• It does not crush the tube.
• Its low failure rate holds regardless of whether it is done at caesarean section or as an interval procedure.

So the two false statements, and the answer to this EXCEPT question, are options (A) and (C).