Reversal of sterilization by open versus minimally invasive surgery

Reversal of sterilization can be done either by open surgical methods or by a minimally invasive approach. Randomised controlled trials evaluating the benefits of these procedures are not available. Research in this field is recommended.

Authors' conclusions: 

Currently there is no evidence from randomised controlled trials to recommend or refute the use of a minimally invasive surgical approach (laparoscopic or robotic) or open surgery for reversal of tubal sterilization. There is a need for well conducted and reported randomised clinical trials to generate reliable evidence to inform clinical practice.

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Background: 

Although tubal sterilization procedures are considered to be permanent, requests for reversal of the procedure (re-canalisation) are not infrequent. The reversal procedure can be done either by an open laparotomy or by minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic or robotic approach).

Objectives: 

To compare the relative effectiveness and safety of reversal of tubal sterilization by open laparotomy, laparoscopy and robotically assisted endoscopy.

Search strategy: 

On 23 October 2012 we searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Review Group Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (Issue 10, 2012); MEDLINE; EMBASE; LILACS; clinical trials registries; regional databases; conference proceedings; and references for relevant published, unpublished and ongoing trials.

Selection criteria: 

Randomised trials comparing the different methods of surgical reversal of tubal sterilisation.

Data collection and analysis: 

No trials that met the selection criteria were identified.

Main results: 

No data for evaluation were obtained