Microsurgical tubal anastomoses performed as an outpatient procedure by minilaparotomy are less expensive and as safe as those performed as an inpatient procedure.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cost-effectiveness, safety, and success of microsurgical tubal anastomoses performed by minilaparotomy as an outpatient.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
Military tertiary care medical center.


METHODS
Seventy consecutively seen women of reproductive age who were undergoing surgical reversal of sterilization from August 1, 1993, through August 1, 1995.


METHODS
Microsurgical sterilization reversal by minilaparotomy was performed as an inpatient (group 1, 47 patients) or as an outpatient (group 2, 23 patients).


METHODS
Cost, complication rate, pregnancy rate.


RESULTS
The procedure cost more for inpatients ($3,116) than for outpatients (!,456). Pregnancy rates were similar (56% in group 1 vs. 75% in group 2). There was only one complication in the series.


CONCLUSIONS
Outpatient microsurgical sterilization reversal performed by minilaparotomy is as safe and effective as the inpatient procedure and is less expensive.
Slowey
M J
MJ
Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA.
Coddington
C C
CC
D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000191:economics; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013243:Sterilization Reversal / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome