Tubal ligation by colpotomy incision.

A five-year review of colpotomy tubal ligation performed on 585 patients within a private-practice setting in Columbus, Georgia, is analyzed. Operative time averaged under 30 minutes, and average hospital stay was less than 3 days. The major postoperative complication rate was less than 2%. The patient population is reviewed as to age, parity, previous contraception, and medical indications for sterilization. Surgical technique is discussed, and several suggestions are made, A follow-up of subsequent gynecologic procedures and the interval following colpotomy is then presented.