Tubal sterilization by bipolar laparoscopy: report of 232 cases

Two hundred thirty-two interval bipolar laparoscopic tubal sterilizations were performed in a university-affiliated community teaching hospital over a 3-year period. Advanced laparoscopy equipment, properly trained laparoscopists, and a system of delineated operating privileges were used; the complication rate was 0.8%. There was 1 intraoperative complication, and 1 postoperative complication that manifested itself on postoperative day 3. Neither complication was related to the electrocauterization. The cauterized segments of fallopian tube were intentionally transected in 195 (84%) of the patients. The equipment and methodology employed are discussed with comparison of bipolar electrocautery to mechanical nonelectric methods of laparoscopic sterilization, ie, bands and clips. The authors' preference for bipolar electrocautery tubal sterilization, using single-segment cauterization with tubal transection, is discussed.