Laparoscopic sterilization. American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists 1991 membership survey

The 1991 membership survey of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists indicated more laparoscopic procedures than had been reported in the last survey, in 1988. The respondents reported 30,480 sterilizations, 41,160 diagnostic laparoscopies and 8,015 hysteroscopies. The distribution of sterilization by method of tubal occlusion has remained stable since 1985. Complications from diagnostic laparoscopy remain consistently higher than from sterilization. This year the complication rate for diagnostic procedures was higher than in any other year since 1976 (4.9 per 1,000 cases). One death was reported after sterilization and one after diagnostic laparoscopy.