[A case-control study of the risk of hysterectomy after tubal ligation].

In order to confirm the hypothetical relationship between tubal ligation and hysterectomy as a longterm effect, a case-control study was conducted with 175 cases who had undergone hysterectomy and an equal number of healthy women as controls. The major findings were as follows. 1) There were no significant differences in age and number of abortions between study cases and controls. However, the distribution of livebirths was statistically significant. The mean number of livebirths among the cases and control were 2.7 +or- 1.2 and 3.0 +or- 1.7, respectively. 2) No significant association was found between the past histories of those with tubal ligation and those with sequential hysterectomy. Adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval of tubal ligation for hysterectomy was 1.17 (0.48-2.87). 3) In younger women under age 40, tubal ligation tended to increase the risk of hysterectomy and the odds ratio was 3.71. In conclusion, the relationship between tubal ligation and the risk of hysterectomy among Korean women is not well established. However, some increased risk of hysterectomy following that procedure in younger women under 40 suggests the need for further study in this age group. (author's modified)