Laparoscopic tubal sterilization reversal and fertility outcomes

Legal medicine aspects of female sterilization: our experience

Introduction

The most frequent sterilization procedures include postpartum tubal ligation, laparoscopic tubal disruption or salpingectomy, and hysteroscopic tubal occlusion. It may be performed via laparoscopy, mini-laparotomy, or hysteroscopy. Safety, efficacy, short-term complications, long-term complications, and non-contraceptive benefits of sterilization are different for each procedure. Female sterilization has become an important professional liability problem in obstetrics and gynecology.

Materials and methods

We analyzed 6 cases of surgical sterilization that have been the subject of civil proceedings. We review indications, contraindications, and complications associated with each sterilization procedure.

Results

In our small number of cases, women who have undergone sterilization performed negligently are entitled to recover damages for wrongful conception, negligence, and wrongful birth. We also consider the issue of female sterilization of minors.

Discussion

Tubal sterilization can be performed with different techniques, chosen in light of the various situations involved, with the goal of reducing as many as possible any failures. Thorough and complete communication of information is of primary importance.

Conclusion

Sterilization is the most widely used birth control method around the world. The procedure is generally safe and highly effective. As reported in the literature, the decision concerning method depends on the setting, the surgeon's experience, the country's economic development, and the woman's preference, but we think that some techniques present a greater risk of failure and expose the surgeon to malpractice litigation.

Contraception

Contraception counseling and provision are vital components of comprehensive health care. Unplanned pregnancy can be devastating to any woman but is particularly dangerous for those with chronic illness. Internal medicine providers are in a unique position to provide contraception, as they often intersect with women at the moment of a new medical diagnosis or throughout care for a chronic problem. A shared decision-making approach can engage patients and ensure that they choose a contraceptive method that aligns with their reproductive plans and medical needs.

Tubal anastomosis after previous sterilization: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Female sterilization is one of the most common contraceptive methods. A small number of women, however, opt for reversal of sterilization procedures after they experience regret. Procedures can be performed by laparotomy or laparoscopy, with or without robotic assistance. Another commonly utilized alternative is IVF. The choice between surgery and IVF is often influenced by reimbursement politics for that particular geographic location.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

We evaluated the fertility outcomes of different surgical methods available for the reversal of female sterilization, compared these to IVF and assessed the prognostic factors for success.

SEARCH METHODS

Two search strategies were employed. Firstly, we searched for randomized and non-randomized clinical studies presenting fertility outcomes of sterilization reversal up to July 2016. Data on the following outcomes were collected: pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, cost of the procedure and operative time. Eligible study designs included prospective or retrospective studies, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and case series. No age restriction was applied. Exclusion criteria were patients suffering from tubal infertility from any other reason (e.g. infection, endometriosis and adhesions from previous surgery) and studies including <10 participants. The following factors likely to influence the success of sterilization reversal procedures were then evaluated: female age, BMI and duration and method of sterilization. Secondly, we searched for randomized and non-randomized clinical studies that compared reversal of sterilization to IVF and evaluated them for pregnancy outcomes and cost effectiveness.

OUTCOMES

We included 37 studies that investigated a total of 10 689 women. No randomized controlled trials were found. Most studies were retrospective cohort studies of a moderate quality. The pooled pregnancy rate after sterilization reversal was 42-69%, with heterogeneity seen from the different methods utilized. The reported ectopic pregnancy rate was 4-8%. The only prognostic factor affecting the chance of conception was female age. The surgical approach (i.e. laparotomy [microscopic], laparoscopy or robotic) had no impact on the outcome, with the exception of the macroscopic laparotomic technique, which had inferior results and is not currently utilized. For older women, IVF could be a more cost-effective alternative for the reversal of sterilization. However, direct comparative data are lacking and a cut-off age cannot be stated.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

In sterilized women who suffer regret, surgical tubal re-anastomosis is an effective treatment, especially in younger women. However, there is a need for randomized controlled trials comparing the success rates and costs of surgical reversal with IVF.

A Study of Tubal Recanalization in Era of ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology)

INTRODUCTION

Tubectomy remains one of the most popular methods of permanent contraception in developing countries. But about 10% of them regret their decision and 1% want to restore their fertility. Out of many options open method of tubal recanalisation is one of the method of restoring fertility.

AIM

Primary objective was to analyse whether open tubal recanalization is a feasible option for those planning to conceive after tubectomy. Secondary objective was to evaluate the pregnancy rate and analyse the various factors affecting pregnancy rate after tubal recanalization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study, follow-up of 2 year in patients treated with tubal recanalization during 2012-2013 at tertiary teaching hospital. 10 women underwent tubal recanalization procedure. Open surgery was done and the principles of microsurgery were followed meticulously throughout the procedure.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Data were expressed as means, medians, standard deviations, and percentages. We used Student's t-test to compare group means and Fisher-exact test to compare proportions. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Out of 10 women who went recanalization an overall 50% pregnancy rate was achieved. All pregnancies occurred within 1 year of procedure. When previous sterilisation was done by laparoscopic route, after reversal all of them (100%) conceived while in those sterilised by Pomeroys method the pregnancy rate after reversal was only 16.6%. Following reversal pregnancy was stastically more significant in those with final tubal length of >5cm (p=0.04) and in those with Isthmo-Isthmic type of anastomosis .

CONCLUSION

Open tubal recanalisation remains a feasible option for those planning pregnancy after tubectomy. The important factors for determining the success of operation were age of the patient, time interval between sterilization and reversal, site of ligation, method used for previous ligation and the remaining length of the tube after recanalisation.

The well baby certificate for puerperal sterilization,a critical appraisal

From August 2004 to July 2005 at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, Tamilnadu, the process of issuing well baby certificate to 1668 babies of 1658 mothers electing to undergo puerperal sterilization within a week of delivery was analyzed. 1553 babies (93.1%) were issued well baby certificates. Certificates were deferred in 88 babies (5.3%) and it was refused in 27 (1.6%). Reasons are analyzed and discussed.