Laparoscopy or minilaparotomy for sterilization of women.

A prospective randomly controlled study was conducted on 200 women undergoing sterilization by application of clips to the fallopian tubes. Laparotomy or laparoscopy was used, and the patients' response to the procedure was evaluated. There were few surgical complications. Postoperative pain and discomfort were experienced for a mean of 2.7 and 2.4 days in the those undergoing minilaparotomy and laparoscopy, respectively. The patients' response indicates a marginal benefit from the laparoscopic approach to application of clips to the fallopian tubes.