title: Minimally invasive versus open surgery for reversal of tubal sterilization.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although tubal sterilization procedures are considered to be permanent, requests for reversal of the procedure (re-canalisation) are not infrequent. The reversal procedure can be done either by an open laparotomy or by minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic or robotic approach).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the relative effectiveness and safety of reversal of tubal sterilization by open laparotomy, laparoscopy and robotically assisted endoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  On 23 October 2012 we searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Review Group Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (Issue 10, 2012); MEDLINE; EMBASE; LILACS; clinical trials registries; regional databases; conference proceedings; and references for relevant published, unpublished and ongoing trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised trials comparing the different methods of surgical reversal of tubal sterilisation.
  
  
  METHODS
  No trials that met the selection criteria were identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No data for evaluation were obtained
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Currently there is no evidence from randomised controlled trials to recommend or refute the use of a minimally invasive surgical approach (laparoscopic or robotic) or open surgery for reversal of tubal sterilization. There is a need for well conducted and reported randomised clinical trials to generate reliable evidence to inform clinical practice.
authors: Reproductive Medicine Unit, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Bangalore, India. gkorula@gmail.com.
authors: Korula
authors: K
authors: George
authors: Mohan S
authors: MS
authors: Kamath
authors: Prathap
authors: P
authors: Tharyan
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007813:Laparotomy; D012371:Robotics; D013243:Sterilization Reversal / Q000379:methods*; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal