Laparoscopic sterilization with the Falope-ring technique in the puerperium.

One hundred and forty-one women were planned to be sterilized by the Falope-ring technique after vaginal term delivery. Two pregnancies (1.55%) occurred during an average observation period of 43.2 months. Tearing of the mesosalpinx with bleeding requiring laparotomy occurred in 2 cases, and was the major operative complication seen. In 3 cases, laparotomy was performed because of reduced visual field caused by the enlarged uterus and in 2 cases because of technical problems with maintaining pneumoperitoneum. In 10 patients, hysterosalpingography was performed. In 2 cases leakage was demonstrated and these patients were readmitted to laparoscopic sterilization in the interval phase. One woman was admitted to the hospital with acute lower abdominal pain one year after sterilization; laparotomy showed the salpinx to be twisted three times around the ring. The Falope-ring technique is recommended as a safe, easy and quick method for sterilization in the puerperium.