Laparoscopic sterilization: Is it a safer option for women

Abstract

Objectives: In developed countries laparoscopy and hysteroscopic are the preferred methods of permanent contraception in females, but in developing countries minilaparotomy is still the preferred method. Purpose of this study is to compare the intra-operative complications of laparoscopic and minilaparotomy techniques in interval sterilization. Methods: This is a prospective comparative study conducted from December 2014 to May 2016. A total of 400 women willing for permanent sterilization were selected by considering both inclusion and exclusion criteria. Depending on the women’s choice, two groups (laparoscopy and minilaparotomy) of 200 each were made according to the technique used for sterilization. Results: Mean duration of surgery was 8.00 ± 3.81mins in the laparoscopic group and 19.37 ± 8.60 mins in the minilaparotomy group which was statistically significant. Intraoperative complications attributable to both the procedures occurred in 31(7.75%) women. Injury to tubal mesosalpinx (tear/hematoma) was seen in 6(3.0%) and 5(2.5%) women in laparoscopy and minilaparotomy group respectively. Postoperative complications like abdominal pain and surgical site infection were higher in minilaparotomy group when compared to laparoscopy group which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Laparoscopic sterilization takes significantly lesser operative time, lesser postoperative morbidity and shorter duration of stay in the hospital. The procedure related complications in the laparoscopic group was much higher. Better training of surgeons in laparoscopy, will make laparoscopic sterilization a preferred method.

Keywords

• laparoscopic sterilization
• minilaparotomy
• intraoperative complications
• interval sterilization