Female Sterilisation is a laparoscopic procedure to occlude or remove the Fallopian tubes, to permanently prevent pregnancy. It is a day case procedure, performed under general anaesthetic.
Lifetime risk of failure of female sterilisation is 1 in 200. Other methods of contraception should be discussed: implant, hormone IUD, and male sterilisation all have a lower failure rate than laparoscopic sterilisation.
The procedure is IRREVERSIBLE. Surgery to reverse female sterilisation is no longer available.
There is a small risk of serious operative complications, including the risk of damage to bladder, bowel, blood vessels or ureters. This may require laparotomy or further surgery. These risks are more common if there has been significant previous abdominal surgery, and female sterilisation may not be offered in this circumstance.
Female sterilisation is not offered in Lothian where the BMI is 35 or over. Patients may be referred for discussion of contraceptive options, but please advise when referring that they will not be able to go ahead with the procedure if BMI is 35 or over at the time of surgery.
Please refer initially to Chalmers/Medical Gynaecology for a consultation to discuss Female Sterilisation and assess suitability. Patients are then referred on for the procedure itself, which takes place at RIE or SJH. Please give relevant medical and surgical history, including current BMI, in the referral.
Who to refer:
Women wishing irreversible female sterilisation.
Who not to refer:
Women where there is a risk that they may wish to conceive again in future.
How to refer:
Advise when referring that they will not be able to go ahead with the procedure if BMI is 35 or over at the time of surgery
By SCI Gateway to Chalmers Sexual Health Centre à Medical Gynaecology.
