Timing of postpartum tubal sterilization using the Filshie clips: an analysis of data from two developing-country centers
Chi, I.C.; Gates, D.; Bunce, S.; Rivera, R.; Apelo, R.; Ramos, R.; de la Vega, J.L.
Contraception 43(1): 33-44
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 2004527 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(91)90124-xDocument Number: 314269
297 women at a Panamanian center and 148 women at a Philippine center had their tubal sterilizations performed during their postpartum hospital stays after uncomplicated vaginal deliveries of livebirths. The sterilizations were all performed with the use of the Filshie clip via minilaparotomy. The timing of the sterilizations varied from 2 hours-6 days after delivery. At each of the 2 centers, women sterilized within 48 hours after delivery were compared with those sterilized at 49 or more hours with respect to surgical difficulties, tubal injuries, complications/complaints, technical failures, and lengths of hospitalization after sterilizations and prior to discharge. The 1 year grossed cumulative pregnancy rates were also compared. No significant differences were detected in any of the above outcome variables between the 2 timing groups at each center. While the data suggest that tubal sterilizations by Filshie clip performed between 2-6 days postpartum are as safe and effective as those performed within 48 hours of delivery, further studies are necessary.