The minilap approach to sterilization.

Advantages to using the minilaparotomy method of sterilization are discussed. Minilaparotomy can be performed as minor surgery because few conventional surgical instruments and minimal anesthesia are needed thus it can be used successfully for ambulatory patients in countries where medical facilities are scarce. Minilaparotomy can be performed by physicians with basic surgical skills because no experience in colpotomy or laparoscopic tubal fulguration techniques is required. The tube is not extensively damaged for reestablishment of patency is possible. Most women requesting sterilizations are candidates for minilaparotomy as its success is a mobile uterus whose fundus can be manipulated directly beneath the anterior abdominal wall allowing easy access to the tubes. There are few complications or failure and there is high patient acceptance. The most common complications are wound hematomas or wound infection requiring local drainage.