A study on the reversal of sterilisation in women over two decades.

Objective: The present study was undertaken to check the relevance of reversal of sterilization in women in the present era of test tube babies, to evaluate the Standard guidelines for sterilization, (The site of the occlusion of the fallopian tube must be always be within 2-3 cm from the uterine cornu in the isthmal portion, excision of 1 cm of the tube should be done. Use of cautery and crushing of the tube should be avoided.) are being followed universally in the institution and outside, to study the demographic patterns of women coming for reversal of sterilization and to evaluate the causes for either the inability to perform reversal of sterilization or the adversaries like ectopic pregnancy that occur after the procedure.

Methods: The present study is a retrospective study carried out in the Department of Microsurgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital Chennai based on the case records maintained in the institution. Three groups of women have been chosen at various periods and the various factors related have been compared. This includes the women who have come to the institution for reversal of sterilization during the years 1991-1995, 2000-2004 and 2006-2008 respectively.

Results: The demand for reversal has increased almost 81 % after 2005 whereas the standards of sterilization are actually being followed in <17 % of women. The incidence of Ectopic pregnancies has increased and the incidence of take home pregnancies has come down.

Conclusions: There is a need to stick to the standards of sterilization. Proper selection of candidates for sterilization and reversal of sterilization is important.