Our Summary

This study looked at the costs of two procedures for female sterilization: hysteroscopic sterilization (HS) and laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation (LBTL). The researchers used a database of healthcare claims to identify women aged 18-49 who had either of these procedures between 2010 and 2012.

The researchers found that the majority of women who had the HS procedure had it done in a doctor’s office, while fewer had it done in a hospital outpatient setting or in an ambulatory surgical center. The LBTL procedure was more often carried out in a hospital outpatient setting.

The cost of the HS procedure was found to be lower than the LBTL procedure. In addition, the total medical costs for women in the six months following the procedure were also lower for women who had HS compared to those who had LBTL. This was true for both overall medical costs and costs specifically related to the sterilization procedure.

The researchers concluded that for women with commercial health insurance in the US, the HS procedure is associated with lower costs both for the procedure itself and for healthcare in the six months following the procedure.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of this study on female sterilization procedures?
  2. How does the cost of hysteroscopic sterilization (HS) compare to laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation (LBTL)?
  3. Where are these sterilization procedures, HS and LBTL, most commonly performed?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering bilateral tubal ligation is to discuss the potential cost savings of hysteroscopic sterilization compared to laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation. This information can help the patient make an informed decision about which procedure is best for them based on their individual circumstances and insurance coverage.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended bilateral tubal ligation are women who are looking for a permanent form of birth control and do not wish to have any more children. This procedure is often recommended for women who have completed their family or who have medical conditions that make pregnancy risky. Additionally, women who have a high risk of complications from other forms of birth control, such as hormonal contraceptives, may also be recommended for bilateral tubal ligation.

Timeline

Before the bilateral tubal ligation procedure, a patient would typically have a consultation with their healthcare provider to discuss the procedure, its risks and benefits, and any alternative options. They may also undergo pre-operative testing to ensure they are healthy enough for the surgery.

During the bilateral tubal ligation procedure, the patient is placed under anesthesia and small incisions are made in the abdomen. The fallopian tubes are then either cut, tied, or sealed off to prevent eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus.

After the procedure, the patient may experience some pain, cramping, and bloating. They may also have some vaginal bleeding and discharge. Recovery time is usually quick, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days to a week.

In the months following the procedure, the patient will need to use another form of birth control until it is confirmed that the tubal ligation was successful in preventing pregnancy. They may also have a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and discuss any concerns or complications.

Overall, bilateral tubal ligation is a safe and effective form of permanent contraception for women who have completed their desired family size.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with bilateral tubal ligation?
  2. How does bilateral tubal ligation compare to other forms of female sterilization in terms of effectiveness and safety?
  3. What is the recovery process like after bilateral tubal ligation, and how long does it typically take to fully recover?
  4. Are there any long-term effects or potential complications to consider after undergoing bilateral tubal ligation?
  5. How does the cost of bilateral tubal ligation compare to other methods of female sterilization, and what factors may affect the overall cost?
  6. Are there any alternative options or newer procedures available for female sterilization that I should consider?
  7. What is the success rate of bilateral tubal ligation in preventing pregnancy, and are there any factors that may affect its effectiveness?
  8. How soon after the procedure can I expect to resume normal activities, including sexual intercourse?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with you or another healthcare provider after undergoing bilateral tubal ligation?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after undergoing bilateral tubal ligation to ensure optimal results and overall health?

Reference

Authors: Carney PI, Yao J, Lin J, Law A. Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2017 May;26(5):483-490. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2016.6035. Epub 2017 Feb 3. PMID: 28157426