Laparoscopic Sterilisation
What is a laparoscopic sterilisation?
A laparoscopic sterilisation is a permanent
method of female contraception. It involves blocking both fallopian
tubes to stop you from becoming pregnant.
What are the benefits of surgery?
You will no longer need to use another form of
contraception.
Are there any alternatives to sterilisation?
A coil, hormone implants or, for men, a
vasectomy are common methods of contraception, which have a
similarly low failure rate.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general
anaesthetic.
Your surgeon will make several small cuts on
your abdomen. They will place surgical instruments, along with a
telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation (see
figure 1).
Figure 1 - The technique for laparoscopic surgery
The most common method of sterilisation is to block each
fallopian tube by putting a clip on it.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Sickness
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Blood clots
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this
operation
a Laroscopic complications
- Damage to internal organs
- Making a hole in the womb or cervix
- Surgical emphysema
- Failed procedure
b Sterilisation complications
- Failure of the sterilisation
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Infection of the gynaecological organs or
bladder
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day.
You should rest for the first day or two.
Summary
A laparoscopic sterilisation is a permanent
method of female contraception.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Andrew Woods MBBS MRCOG
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
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health professional would give you.
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