Allergic reaction to Hulka clips

Hulka clip sterilization has become a popular method of tubal occlusion. A case is presented in which the gold covering the Hulka clip resulted in an allergic reaction, evidenced by sterile abscess formation and resulting in exploratory laparotomy for removal of the Hulka clips, sterile abscess, and resultant adhesions. To the author's knowledge, no previous case has been presented of this type of gold allergy. It would appear that careful screening for gold allergy should be undertaken before tubal sterilization with Hulka clips.