Healing and restoration of fertility following microsurgical transection and anastomosis of the rabbit oviduct.

The postoperative time course of healing following tubal microsurgery was examined in the rabbit by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and was correlated with changes in fertility. Groups of animals were bred or used for morphologic studies on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14 after surgery. During the first 4 postoperative days, a major loss of ciliary and secretory activity occurred and was characterized by disruption of subcellular organelles. Tissue damage was restricted to within several millimeters of the anastomosis. Healing was well advanced by day 7 and was largely complete by day 14. Corresponding changes in fertility were observed. A significant decline in fertility was noted on the first postoperative day. Thereafter, fertility progressively improved and was normal by day 14.