Abstract

PIP: The incidence of skin and intestinal burns during laparoscopic tubal sterilization is evaluated on the basis of the published literature, and suggestions for the prevention of this complication are made. In large series, the incidence varies between 0 and .5% or .7%. One of the most common causes is contact between the laparoscope shaft and an unisolated portion of the operating instrument. In addition to the usual precautions, use of the "bicoagulation" method and mechanical separation of the tube are recommeded as preventive measures.