Outpatient interval female sterilization at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
Otolorin, E.O.; Ladipo, O.A.; Ojo, O.A.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 14(1-2): 3-9
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3913 PMID: 2994435 Document Number: 423813
This study reviewed selected sociodemographic data as well as technical difficulties encountered in the 258 outpatient female sterilization procedures performed at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1975-81. This series included 215 minilaparotomy sterilizations and 43 laparoscopic procedures. Only women who requested sterilization for family planning reasons were include in the study. The mean age at sterilization was 38.3 years. 91% of women had 5 or more living children, with a mean parity of 7.2. 52% of sterilization patients had no education and only 8% had 13 or more years of schooling. Surgical difficulties were encountered in 12% of minilaparotomy and 12% of laparoscopic procedures. The most frequently reported problems were obesity and adhesions. Postoperative complaints were minimal, but generally involved abdominal pain. The failure rates were 1.4% for minilaparotomy and 2.3% for laparoscopy. These findings suggest that the target population for female sterilization in Nigeria would be multiparous women with 5 or more deliveries aged 35 years and above. It appears that the introduction of interval outpatient sterilization and demonstration and the demonstration of its safety is gradually leading to increased acceptance of sterilization as a method of family limitation.