Tubectomy / Tubal Sterilization / Female Sterilization

1. Laparotomy (concurrent with cesarean delivery)

Laparotomy is an incision made in the abdominal wall to allow a physician to look at the organs. Bilateral tube ligation may be performed after closure of the uterine incision during cesarean delivery.

2. Mini-laparotomy

Periumbilical minilaparotomy is the most common procedure immediately after childbirth.

Postpartum tubal ligation is technically simple because the uterine fundus is at the level of the umbilicus, making the fallopian tubes readily accessible through a small periumbilical abdominal incision.

Minilaparotomy following delivery in the early puerperium is convenient, simple, and cost effective. However, if maternal or infant complications exist, sterilization should be delayed.

3. Hysteroscopy

The principle of this procedure is to place an implant in the fallopian tubes with the help of a Hysteroscope, which is a small telescope-like instrument, which is inserted into the uterine cavity.

The device works by inducing scar tissue to form over the implant, blocking the fallopian tube and preventing fertilization of the egg by the sperm. The small metallic implant is called the Essure System and hence the procedure is known as the Essure procedure.