Late complications of sterilization according to method

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Tubal sterilization is a common method for permanent contraception.
• Different techniques exist, including high-frequency (HF) and endocoagulation methods.
• Late complications following sterilization can impact patient health and necessitate further procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the late complication rates of high-frequency (HF) versus endocoagulation tubal sterilization.
• To evaluate the incidence of hysterectomies, curettages, menstrual disorders, and menopausal complaints in relation to sterilization technique.

Main Methods:

• Patient questionnaires were utilized to assess late complications.
• Two tubal sterilization procedures were compared: high-frequency (HF) and endocoagulation techniques.
• Data collected included rates of hysterectomy, curettage, menstrual disorders, and menopausal symptoms.

Main Results:

• Hysterectomies were significantly higher in the HF group (8.9%) compared to endocoagulation (2.3%).
• Menstrual disorders and combined menstrual/menopausal complaints were more frequent after HF sterilization (30.9% and 7.4%, respectively) than endocoagulation (11.7% and 2.8%).
• A higher percentage of patients (85%) sterilized by endocoagulation reported no menstrual or menopausal complaints compared to the HF group (62%).

Conclusions:

• Endocoagulation tubal sterilization is associated with a lower incidence of late postoperative complications compared to high-frequency methods.
• The findings suggest endocoagulation may be a safer alternative for tubal sterilization regarding long-term adverse effects.