What is 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 and usually takes about twenty minutes.
Your gynaecologist 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).
The most common method of sterilisation is to block each fallopian tube by putting a clip on it.
What complications can happen?
General complications of any operation:
- Pain
- Sickness
- Bleeding
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
Specific complications of this operation:
- Laparoscopic complications
- Damage to internal organs
- Making a hole in the womb or cervix
- Surgical emphysema
- Failed procedure
- 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.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Summary
A laparoscopic sterilisation is a permanent method of female contraception.
Paying for your procedure
Laparoscopic sterilisation costs are covered by most medical insurance policies, but please check with your insurer first. If you are paying for your own procedure the cost will be explained and confirmed in writing when you book the procedure. Ask the hospital for a quote beforehand, and ensure that this includes the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee and the hospital charge for your procedure.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Andrew Woods MBBS MRCOG FRANZCOG
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