Tubal sterilization. Study at Evanston Hospital
McElin, T.W.; Buckingham, J.C.; Johnson, R.E.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 97(4): 479-487
1967
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9378 PMID: 6016350 Document Number: 520302
This article presents a review of 902 tubal sterilizations performed in an 18 1/2-year period at a predominantly private teaching service. 803 (89%) of the sterilizations were puerperal, generally performed within 48 hours of delivery or with cesarean section. The Pomeroy technique (often modified) was used in 97.2% of the puerperal sterilizations; the other surgical methods included the Madlener operation, total salpingectomy, the Adridge procedure, and cornual excision. Indications for sterilization were obstetrical in 691 cases, medical in 58 cases, neuropsychiatric in 27 cases, socioeconomic in 10 cases, and genetic, orthopedic, or surgical in the remaining cases. Multiparity was the most frequently cited indication (419 cases). The patients' age range was 19-44 years, with the largest number of acceptors (67.2%) in the 30-39 year age group. Until 1962, written approval of a qualified consultant was required in addition to the consent of the patient and her spouse. Since 1962, sterilization requests have been considered by a Hospital Sterilization Committee comprised of 3 obstetricians. There were 5 failures (.55% pregnancy rate) in this series of 902 sterilizations and no deaths.