title: Laparoscopic laser sterilisation: an alternative option.
abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of female laparoscopic laser tubal sterilisation. A total of 265 women underwent laparoscopic laser sterilisation as a day-case procedure at Princess Royal University Hospital in Kent between 1996 and 2001. The fallopian tube was divided at the isthmic portion using a neodymium-yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser probe. All procedures were completed laparoscopically and patients were discharged within 6 h of surgery. No perioperative complications were encountered. The mean follow-up duration was 36 months (range 2 - 7 years) and no intra- or extrauterine pregnancies were reported throughout the entire follow-up period. We conclude that laparoscopic Nd:YAG laser sterilisation appears to be a safe and effective day-case method of female sterilisation. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to further define its role as a reliable long-term contraceptive method.
authors.affiliation: Gynaecology Department, Princess Royal University Hospital, Kent, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Erian
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: El-Toukhy
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chandakas
authors.forename: N C W
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Theodoridis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom