The potential for improved abdominal procedures and approaches for tubal occlusion

Methods of sterilization by the abdominal route are reviewed. There are wide variations in practice which reflect experience, training and resources in different countries. Clip sterilization comes nearest to fulfilling the criteria of a satisfactory method, whether performed by laparoscopy or minilaparotomy. The development of the Cambridge clip seems to offer the prospect of a significant improvement in reliability and safe application while microlaparoscopy and a smaller clip would facilitate the use of local anesthesia and decrease morbidity.