Mortality risk associated with female sterilization.

The mortality risk associated with female sterilization in an analysis of 255 812 procedures performed in developing countries from 1973 to 1979 is reviewed. Fifteen sterilization-related deaths were reported during this period. The overall mortality was 5.86/100 000 procedures. The most common cause of death was the result of anesthetic complications, with infection in second place. The risk of death by procedure was higher with culdoscopy than with minilaparotomy or laparoscopy. The authors believe that low mortality figures are realistic and can be achieved in developing countries when experienced surgical teams are provided with adequate facilities, observe strict medical standards, utilize minilaparotomy and laparoscopy and avoid general and spinal anesthesia.