Failed Sterilisation Compensation

The Claimant had wanted sterilisation to prevent any future pregnancy from occurring. She underwent laparoscopic sterilisation with Filshie clips being placed on both fallopian tubes to prevent eggs being released into the uterus.

It is common for Filshie Clips to be used during sterilisation but women are not told that they fall off the fallopian tubes and migrate around the pelvic cavity. In this case the Clips were not positioned correctly on the fallopian tubes hence why she had fallen pregnant. Expert opinion was that the clip had actually been applied to a ligament rather than the fallopian tube itself.

Thus the Claimant was not sterilised at all.

The initial offer from the Trust was increased through negotiation in order to reach a settlement.

It is important to understand why sterilisation clips lead to contraceptive failure and to inform patients of this risk. Contraceptive failure after female sterilisation remains a medical issue.