Sterlization by laparoscopic tubal electrocoagulation a report of 1000 private patients
Smith, D.B.; Kelsey, J.F.; Sherman, R.L.; Phillips, W.P.; Ellis, H.G.; Hyde, M.L.
Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society 73(10): 384-387
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-1858 PMID: 139391 Document Number: 120765
In 1000 cases of sterilization by laparoscopic tubal electrocoagulation under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, no pregnancies have occurred in the follow-up period ranging from 5 to 57 months. The patients ranged from 17 to 50 years with a median of 31 years. 85% of the cases were done as outpatients; the surgical technic used was the standard 2 incision of Steptoe. 16.5% of the patients had had previous abdominal surgery; obesity was not considered a contraindication. There were 30 significant complications, the most common of which was mesosalpingeal bleeding, which occurred in 17 patients. Uterine perforation occurred in 9 patients, the Veress needle was inserted into the stomach of 2 patients. There was 1 traumatic transverse colon injury and 1 perforation of the sigmoid colon. The 3% complication rate of this study falls within the 0-8% reported in the literature. The complication rate falls as physician experience increases; in the last 42 consecutive months no major complications requiring celiotomy have occurred.