The History of Female Surgical Sterilization.

Introduction: Female surgical sterilization is currently one of the most common methods of contraception used in the United States. This article serves as a review of the history of the development and use of surgical methods of tubal sterilization. We structured our review by organizing methods into those performed during the immediate postpartum period at the time of cesarean section or after a vaginal delivery, and those performed outside of the postpartum period, or interval sterilization. We begin with a discussion of postpartum sterilization methods, by reviewing the Irving and Uchida techniques of partial salpingectomy and the more commonly used Parkland and Pomeroy methods. We then review methods of interval surgical sterilization, which can be performed through transcervical, open, and laparoscopic approaches. Transcervical approaches included the use of the chemical agent quinacrine, thermal energy, or mechanical occlusion with coils. Quinacrine was abandoned in the United States due to lower effectiveness than other available contraceptive methods and safety concerns; the application of thermal energy through the transcervical approach was also abandoned secondary to serious safety concerns. More recently, mechanical methods of tubal occlusion performed through hysteroscopy, including Essure® coils, are no longer available because of a high rate of safety concerns and reports of adverse events. Next, we discuss interval sterilization through tubal ligation, which can be achieved by using electrocautery, mechanical tubal occlusion, and partial or complete salpingectomy. Before the 1960s, interval tubal ligation was performed through laparotomy. Today, interval tubal sterilization is almost exclusively performed through laparoscopy. Complications from thermal injury incurred during electrocautery use necessitated the development of safer methods, leading to mechanical devices that cause tubal occlusion, including the Falope Ring, Hulka Clip, and the Filshie Clip. Finally, we discuss the use of laparoscopic partial and complete salpingectomy as a form of tubal sterilization. Laparoscopic complete salpingectomy is becoming more commonly used today, as evidence points to a reduction in ovarian cancer risk after removal of the fallopian tubes. Over time, surgeons have worked to develop methods of tubal sterilization that are more effective, safer, and more accessible for patients. The future of tubal sterilization aims to minimize invasiveness of the procedure, with the goal of providing the most safe and effective options for patients desiring permanent contraception. (J GYNECOL SURG 37:459) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]