Laparoscopic sterilization with a spring clip: A report of the first fifty cases

A spring-loaded clip designed to be inserted through a 1 cm. diameter operative laparoscope under local anesthesia has been applied to 50 patients. Forty-three of these patients considered the discomfort of the procedure, including application of the clip onto the tubes, equal to or less than the discomfort of inserting the intravenous needle prior to operation. The procedure has been done on an outpatient basis, with discharge from the hospital within 2 hours of operation. Two patients complained of strong adnexal pain after operation, lasting 48 hours. All patients resumed full household activities and work 2 days after sterilization and were satisfied with the experience. Although the technique compares equally to vasectomy in terms of operative time, patient discomfort, recovery period, and time away from home or work, comparison with respect to medical risk, cost, and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy remains to be established.