Abstract

PIP: A questionnaire was sent to 2800 members of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists in the summer 1977 to monitor laparoscopic usage, new laparoscopic techniques, and the current interest in sterilization reversal. Approximately 1/3 of those receiving the questionnaire responded. Results of laparoscopic and diagnostic complication rates, methods employed, reversals with different sterilization methods, and risk rates of ectopic pregnancy following different types of procedures are tabulated. Electrocoagulation, either unipolar or bipolar, was the single most used technique in 1976, having been used for more than 1/3 of all cases reported. Nonelectric methods are gaining in popularity, however. There was found to be a higher risk of subsequent ectopic pregnancy from the coagulation sterilization methods which involved greater destruction of tubal tissue. The less destructive coagulation methods also carried a lower risk of ectopic pregnancy. And, nonelectric methods, e.g., the Pomeroy method, carried the lowest risk of ectopic pregnancy. Complications following laparoscopic sterilization remained constant in the year 1976. However, with a reduced number of diagnostic procedures performed, the complication rate had increased. There seems to be a rate of 6 pregnancies/1000 operations in this series. This type of sterilization continues to be safe and relatively effective.