Tubal sterilization: Comparison of outpatient laparoscopy and postpartum ligation.

The findings of a comparison between laparoscopy as an outpatient sterilization procedure on 270 patients in a Louisiana charity hospital with postpartum tubal ligation on 490 patients in a private hospital are presented. Multiparity was the most frequent indication in both groups of patients. Complications were within acceptable limits. Local anesthesia could be used for the laparoscopic procedure, and recently in the other group, ligation has been done immediately after delivery using the conduction anethesia given for delivery which eliminates giving additional anesthetic. Both procedures appear to be safe, practical, and acceptable methods of tubal sterilization.