Female sterilization by tubal ligation is an increasingly common
method of contraception, and is now the most commonly used method
of fertility regulation worldwide . It is considered a permanent
form of contraception because of its low failure rate, however when
there is conception it is likely to be an ectopic pregnancy which is a
major cause of morbidity and mortality for women of reproductive age
in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Treatment of ectopic pregnancies in developing countries like
Nigeria has remained largely by the surgical approach (laparotomy)
due to late presentation of the patients during which the ectopic
pregnancies would have ruptured with associated hemodynamic
instabilities.
Therefore, ectopic pregnancy should always be considered in
women of reproductive age presenting with lower abdominal pain and
ammenorrhoea even if they have had tubal sterilization. Women who
have had bilateral tubal ligation should be counseled on the remote
chance of failure and the need to present early if they have symptoms
and signs suggestive of pregnancy. (Akaba GO, Ekele BA, Onafowokan O, Nombur LI, Oluwole OP, et al. (2013) Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy after Bilateral Tubal Ligation: A Case Report)
Last date updated on September, 2024