Voluntary female sterilisation via minilaparotomy: report from Burkina Faso.

ABSTRACT

PIP: In the first study of female sterilization in Burkina Faso, case records of the 63 women undergoing minilaparotomy in the 12-month period between June 1, 1995, and May 31, 1996, at the country's second largest obstetric and gynecologic unit (Centre Hospitalier National Sanou, Bobo Dioulasso) were reviewed. Acceptors ranged in age from 27 to 45 years (mean, 37.36 years) and had an average of 5 living children; 55.6% were in polygamous marriages and 65.1% were Muslim. 32.3% reported prior use of a modern contraceptive method, primarily the pill. The decision to undergo sterilization was made by both partners in 50.8% of cases and by the husband alone in 23%. Achievement of desired family size was the primary reason (45.9%) for sterilization; another 29.5% were motivated by medical reasons. 77.8% of procedures were performed in the postpartum period. The Pomeroy method was used in all cases. Women were discharged from the hospital on the same day as the procedure. There were no sterilization-related complications in this series, and no pregnancies or requests for reversal have occurred in 3-15 months of follow up. It is recommended that Burkina Faso establish a national voluntary female sterilization program, equip peripheral health centers with minilaparotomy kits, and train physicians and medical students to perform the procedure.