Advances in sterilization equipment.
From the array of sterilization procedures that are safe, simple and effective, the service provider must select procedures that fit his or her logistical criteria, which include the cost and maintenance of equipment, availability of supplies, and training of the requisite personnel. In this paper, these criteria are discussed for each of the various sterilization procedures. Information about female sterilization equipment for conventional postpartum laparotomy, minilaparotomy, colpotomy, laparoscopy, and culdoscopy is presented, together with facts about the related tubal occlusion techniques. The standard ligation techniques for male sterilization are compared with the newer electrocoagulation and thermocoagulation methods. A variety of methods for both female and male sterilization that are in the research stage are also mentioned. It is concluded that, from a programmatic point of view, vasectomy and postpartum ligation via laparotomy are the optimal sterilization procedures. For women who have not recently been pregnant, minilaparotomy with a standard tubal ligation technique is recommended, except in large teaching hospitals where laparoscopy can be performed efficiently.
Advances in sterilization equipment. From the array of sterilization procedures that are safe, simple and effective, the service provider must select procedures that fit his or her logistical criteria, which include the cost and maintenance of equipment, availability of supplies, and training of the requisite personnel. In this paper, these criteria are discussed for each of the various sterilization procedures. Information about female sterilization equipment for conventional postpartum laparotomy, minilaparotomy, colpotomy, laparoscopy, and culdoscopy is presented, together with facts about the related tubal occlusion techniques. The standard ligation techniques for male sterilization are compared with the newer electrocoagulation and thermocoagulation methods. A variety of methods for both female and male sterilization that are in the research stage are also mentioned. It is concluded that, from a programmatic point of view, vasectomy and postpartum ligation via laparotomy are the optimal sterilization procedures. For women who have not recently been pregnant, minilaparotomy with a standard tubal ligation technique is recommended, except in large teaching hospitals where laparoscopy can be performed efficiently.