Female sterilization by tubal ligation at caesarean section in Makurdi, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Female sterilization is an important tool in reducing unplanned pregnancy and maternal mortality in our environment. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, sociodemographic characteristics, technique, effectiveness and complications associated with female sterilization by bilateral tubal ligation at caesarean section.

METHOD: This was a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of 78 clients who had female sterilization out of 1,346 acceptors of contraceptive methods at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, over a 5-year period between November 2002 and October 2007.

RESULTS: Of the 1,346 acceptors of family planning methods, 78 clients had bilateral tubal ligation. The majority of the clients (37 [47.4%]) had sterilization at caesarean section, representing 2.7% of all acceptors of family planning methods. The mean age and parity of the clients were 34.3 years and 5.5, respectively. The majority of the clients (36 [97.3%]) had sterilization using the modified Pomeroy's technique. Contraceptive effectiveness was 100%. No complication specific to tubal ligation was noticed.

CONCLUSION: Majority of female sterilization were performed at caesarean section. The procedure was found to be safe and effective.