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Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, and may be fatal if not treated promptly with surgery. Between 1970 and 1985 the rate of ectopic pregnancy more than tripled. During that time the proportion of women who underwent tubal sterilization more than doubled, but whether tubal sterilization is implicated in the increased incidence (number of cases) of ectopic pregnancy is not known. To determine the relation between tubal sterilization and ectopic pregnancy, 241 women who had an ectopic pregnancy were matched with 835 women of childbearing age who did not. Those who had undergone tubal sterilization were divided into two groups based on whether sterilization had been performed during the month of a previous delivery (postpartum sterilization) or at another time (interval sterilization). Electrocoagulation (use of electric current to destroy part of the fallopian tube) is more likely to result in an incomplete tubal blockage. The results indicate that this technique may increase the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy. Women who had undergone postpartum sterilization, which is more often done by ligation (tying), and those who had interval sterilization by ligation had a lower risk of ectopic pregnancy. The advantages and disadvantages of the research design and alternatives are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

ARE THE PARENTS OF A HEALTHY CHILD BORN AFTER A BOTCHED TUBAL LIGATION ENTITLED TO DAMAGES FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS? That was the issue with which the Supreme Court of the [...]