RESUMO
From 1969 to 1974, 2080 patients were sterilized, 1702 by the pelviscopic method (electrocoagulation), 375 by laparotomy, and 3 vaginally. About two thirds of the sterilisations by laparotomy were carried out after delivery or during other surgical procedures. 15% of all women were sterilized for medical reasons; the other cases had to be 35 years of age or at least 30 if they had more than 3 children. The overall complication rate was 5% with both methods. Complications during pelviscopy included hemorrhage, bowel injury and burns. Postoperative complications after laparotomy were hemorrhage, thrombosis and wound dehiscence. Only half of the patients could be followed up; there were 4 pregnancies among 1308 women. In more than 50% the sexual relations had improved, in only 3% they had worsened. About 97% of the pelviscopically sterilized patients were satisfied with surgical method chosen and with their present status. It is recommended to allow sufficient time to think the decision over prior to the operation.
PIP: A report on the complication rate from 1702 pelviscopic sterilizations and 378 laparotomy or colpotomy sterilizations is presented. 15.2% of the sterilizations were performed under the medical indication, and the average age of this group was less than that of the other patients. The complication rate for the patients undergoing pelviscopy was 4.98%; a laparotomy was made necessary in only .7% of the cases. Bleeding, slight burns, and pain were the most frequent complications. The complication rate for the laparotomy patients was 4.94%, mainly less serious complications such as slight bleeding, subcutaneous hematoma, or dehiscence of the wound occurred. 4 pregnancies were reported after the operations. 43.3% experienced changes in the menstrual cycle. 51.4% reported that their sexual relations had improved after the operation, 2.9% that they had gotten worse. 97% of the pelviscopy patients were satisfied with the operation.