A ten year survey of sterilization operations (in women)
Adatia, M.D.; Adatia, S.M.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of India 16(4): 423-426
1966
ISSN/ISBN: 0971-9202 PMID: 12262164 Document Number: 517198
The demographic characteristics and the sterilization outcomes for 1084 of the 1156 female patients, who had modified Pomeroy sterilizations performed at a private clinic in India from 1955-1965, were statistically analyzed in a follow-up study. Demographic characteristics of the patients were 1) 60% were from the middle income group, 30% were from the high income group, and 10% were from the low income group; 2) 86% were Hindu; 3) a large proportion had a parity of 4-6; and 4) the majority were between the ages of 25-35. 95% of the sterilizations were performed for socioeconomic reasons and 5% for medical or eugenic reasons. The majority were performed on postpartum patients 24-72 hours following delivery. Lower treasures incisions were made and non-absorbable linen was used for ligation. Most of the patients received spinal anesthesia, and the average hospital stay was 7 days following the procedure. Early and late complications were minor. There were 14 cases of seroma and 9 of stitch abscess. None of the patients sustained bladder injuries and no cases of paralytic ileus were observed. 80 of the patients subsequently reported menstrual irregularity. The majority of the patients were happy with their sterilization decision. 14 of the patients, who subsequently lost a child, regretted their decision. Most of the patients reported no change in their sexual life while 10% reported an increase in libido and 10% reported a decrease in libido. 9 of the patients developed psychological disturbances. 18 patients experienced chronic pelvic infection and 19 reported that their scars were painful. There were 5 cases of failure among the 1084 cases and no extopic pregnancies were reported.