Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Tubal sterilization is the permanent and effective contraception method. Although pregnancy after sterilization is uncommon, it can occur and may be ectopic. One of the complications after tubal ligation is ectopic pregnancy. It is a prospective study conducted at Saveetha Medical College obstetrics and Gynaecology Department. We report series of ectopic gestation following sterilization during the period — June 2012 to June 2013. Various data were analysed, namely age at which sterilization was done, method of sterilization done, how many years later ectopic was developed, type of presentation, management offered to them. There were total 12 ectopic pregnancies during the study period. Out of this 11 ectopic were subsequent to tubal sterilization. Maximum age distribution were 7 cases between 25–35 yrs, 5 cases were of 36–40 yrs, none above 40 yrs. Nine cases occurred within 10 years, after 10 yrs two cases. The highest incidence of ectopic were in 8 cases was following Puerperal sterilization. In 5 cases the common complaint was amenorrhea with pain abdomen and urinary tract infection in 2 cases. Common site of ectopic was ampullary region in 8 cases. All of them were ruptured ectopic due to delay in diagnosis. Ten cases underwent bilateral salpingectomy; one case of Cornual ectopic gestation hysterectomy and one case of primi salpingectomy of the affected side done. Women undergoing tubal sterilization should be informed that ectopic pregnancy may occur even long after the procedure as shown in our study. Awareness regarding this should be there among attending doctors and health personnel.

Keywords: Risk for ectopic pregnancy, Tubal ectopic, Tubal sterilization