Abstract

PIP: Experience has confirmed that both laparoscopy and minilaparotomy, the two most common surgical approaches to sexual sterilization in the US, can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. However, general anesthesia is chosen in the majority of such cases. Gynecologists and operating room staff indicate a preference for a patient who is asleep or want to abolish all intraoperative discomfort for the patient. Few gynecology residency programs offer experience in performing female sterilization under local anesthesia. This ignores the fact that local anesthesia not only can be entirely adequate for pain relief, but also has the added advantages of increased safety, rapid recovery, and lower cost to the patient. Local anesthesia further provides psychological benefits to patients who are afraid of being put to sleep or want to be an active participant in their own operation.