A review of safety, efficacy, pros and cons, and issues of puerperal tubal sterilization--an update

Abstract

This review focuses on the safety, efficacy, pros and cons of tubal sterilization procedures performed during the puerperium period while the woman is still in hospital. Findings from four previous reviews are synthesized, and the results published in more recent literature are evaluated. The review finds that tubal sterilization performed while the woman is still on the delivery table, or during a woman's early puerperium while she remains hospitalized, is operationally easy and medically safe, and does not adversely affect lactation. However, reported pregnancy rates are generally higher in puerperal tubal sterilization than in interval sterilization, especially when the mechanical tubal occlusion technique is used. The Pomeroy method, and its modifications via minilaparotomy, is highly recommendable. On the other hand, electrocoagulation via laparoscopy is associated with high efficacy, but a potentially increased risk of complications and difficulties in tubal reversal. Tubal sterilizations can be easily and safely performed at cesarean delivery in selected cases. Tubal sterilization performed during puerperium has a number of advantages over short-acting contraceptive methods, which require strict compliance, for postpartum use. However, candidates for puerperal tubal sterilization need to be carefully screened and counseled, since post-sterilization regret is more likely to occur. Unsettled issues for puerperal tubal sterilization and a number of practical problems that need to be addressed before initiation of a puerperal tubal sterilization program in a maternity clinic/hospital are discussed.