Abstract:
Background: Bilateral tubal ligation is the most common and popular method of permanent contraception in women. It is an effective method of contraception. Objectives: To determine the rate, trend, indications, complications and outcome of bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of all cases of bilateral tubal ligation done at the RUTH from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2020. Data collected were analyzed using IBM, Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS), version 25.0 (Armonk, NY).
Result: There were 12,406 deliveries and 153 cases of BTL; giving the prevalence of BTL as 1.23% or 12.3 per 1000 deliveries or 1 in 81 deliveries with a decreasing pattern of use. Of the 153 cases of BTL, 148 were done during a caesarean section while 5 with the repair of uterine rupture. Most of the cases were done electively and modified Pomeroy’s method was the commonest technique used by surgeons. The mean age and gestational age of the women at delivery were 35.0 SD 3.6 years, 95% confidence interval 34.8 to 35.6 and 37.4 SD 1.5 (95% CI 37.2 to 37.6) respectively. Majority were booked [145(94.8%)], multipara [138(90.2%)], Christians [147(96.1)] and had tertiary level education [84(54.9)]. Parity was significantly associated with BTL [
X2 =11.203, p=0.004, (95%CI:0.0441,0.052)] while the association with other sociodemographic variables did not attain significance. The mean foetal weight was 3.05 SD 0.57 kg, 95% confidence interval: 2.92 to 3.18. There were no maternal or foetal complications from the procedure during the period of review.
Conclusion: The prevalence of BTL in RSUTH is low and with a decreasing trend. The procedure was carried out mostly during caesarean section. However, other forms such as mini-laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery should be encouraged to create high uptake of the permanent method of contraception especially in our environment, where aversion for caesarean section is high.
