Is There Still a Role for Sterilization by Tubal Ligation as a Contraceptive Method?

Abstract

Tubal ligation has been used since the late nineteenth century to control undesired fertility in women. Over the years, there have been many improvements to the surgical technique, and the procedure has become a lot safer. Some recent developments, however, appear to make this procedure obsolete. In the first instance, there is now ample evidence that removing the Fallopian tubes rather than ligating them or closing them provides protection against developing ovarian carcinoma. The many surgical approaches and closure methods are therefore no longer appropriate. In the second instance, the use of long-acting reversible contraception has been shown to be as effective in preventing future pregnancy, more cost-effective and with even more health benefits than tubal ligation or tubectomy. This is especially true of the use of intrauterine levonorgestrel. The problem of regret and request for tubal ligation reversal, where that was performed, is eliminated as is the surgical concern of operating on older women with increased body mass index and medical co-morbidities.