Bilateral tubal ligation at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital: A five year review

Abstract

Background: Tubal ligation may be good for women seeking out a safe, effective, permanent and convenient form of contraceptive. However, due to variety of reasons, there is aversion to it especially in developing world. Objective: To determine the incidence, socio-demographic characteristics of acceptors, indications and complications of tubal ligation (BTL) at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective study of BTL at AKTH, was conducted over a five year period, between 1 January, 2008 to 31 December, 2012. The records of women who had BTL/ used other contraceptive methods were retrieved from the medical Records Department and family Planning Clinic. Results: Period prevalence of BTL was 2.6% among contraceptive acceptors. The mean age and parity were 35.0±5.0 and 6.0±2.0 respectively. Majority of those that had BTL, had only Quaranic education 23(34.3%). Majority of cases (82.1%) were done during caesarean section / laparotomy. Postpartum BTL accounted for 11.9%, while interval BTL accounted for 6%. BTL in patients with ruptured uterus (31.3%) was the commonest indication. One of the acceptor came back with regrets. Only 4.5% had complications, which were not primarily due to the procedure. Conclusions: BTL is a safe and effective method of sterilization. Utilization of BTL especially postpartum and intervalBTLis still low in our community.