What are the prerequisites prior to performing a tubal ligation?
A complete medical and a contraceptive history is essential. The medical history should elicit any history of pelvic disease, previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, heart or lung disease, bleeding problems, allergies, medications, and previous problems with general anaesthesia that might be a contraindication for surgery. A complete physical examination including pelvic examination is also warranted prior to surgery. Particular attention to the uterine position, mobility and the adnexa is important. Use of an alternative effective means of contraception is essential until the time of the tubal ligation. Because post-sterilization regret is common, careful pre-surgery counseling with awareness of risk factors is essential. Information about the type of operation including risks and benefits, the availability of alternate methods of family planning, the possibility of failure and the possibility of reversal should be discussed and documented.
