Laparoscopic sterilization immediately after term delivery: a preliminary report.

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing laparoscopic sterilization immediately after a normal delivery, 46 patients were studied. All sterilizations were performed within 48 hours of delivery, using a single puncture technique with cautery and separation of the uterine tubes, under a neuroleptanalgesic. A description of the technique, the technical difficulties encountered in performing the procedures and the incidence of complications are presented. The technique, when performed during the early puerperium, is practicable since technical difficulties and the severity and incidence of complications are clinically acceptable. The sterilization procedure did not significantly increase the duration of hospitalization after delivery. Most patients were discharged from the hospital 1 to 2 days after the sterilization.