Abstract

PIP: Although female sterilization has been known and practised as early as 1836 it was advocated only for diseases which would have a deleterious effect on the woman's health if a future pregnancy occurred. Current interest sterilization focus on the use as a fertility control method and improving the techniques used, with recent emphasis on the use of minilaparotomy particularly for developing countries. The following complications may arise from laparoscopic electrocoagulation: failure to invade the peritoneal cavity; bleeding; puncture; burns and shock. In addition to addressing medical problems the social question must be considered. India has experienced mass use of tubectomies where young, low parity or poor patients have been sterilized. Consequently the author contends that although tubectomy should be included among family planning methods caution must be exercised. Furthermore the use of sterilization in India should be reserved for women who are at risk with a further pregnancy.