Silastic ring laparoscopic sterilization: operative complications and menstrual sequelae

Summary

The immediate operative problems associated with the use of silastic rings during laparoscopic sterilization were assessed in 523 consecutive cases, performed over a period of 15 months at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. Problems with haemorrhage occurred in 13 cases, but in all but 2 bleeding was controlled through the laparoscope.

The incidence of subsequent menstrual disturbance (heavier loss or increased dysmenorrhoea) was high, 49 per cent of patients reporting this. This contrasts with an earlier report suggesting that menstrual disturbance is minimal after the use of silastic rings.