Late sequelae following laparoscopic female sterilization

A retrospective study regarding long-term sequelae among 818 randomly selected patients undergoing elective laparoscopic tubal sterilization is presented. These procedures were carried out at the Women's Medical Pavilion in Dobbs Ferry, NY, a free-standing surgical unit, between January 1, 1980 and June 30, 1985. A questionnaire was sent to each patient's last known address and, at the same time, attempts were made to contact them by telephone; 623 patients were reached and assessed as to satisfaction with tubal ligation, any ensuing menstrual changes requiring a D&C, and/or psychological problems. Also determined was the number of patients in the series who failed to continue routine gynecological care. It was found that the incidence of dissatisfaction with the operation was 2.9%, of undesired menstrual changes, 4.8%, and of psychiatric morbidity, 8.2%. These results were also correlated with the data of our medical records. In our series, 16.9% of the women failed to continue routine gynecological care. The necessity of thorough counseling by strict guidelines and the need for follow-up are discussed.