Reviving forgotten techniques: Vaginal salpingectomy in public health system, a retrospective cohort study

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2024 May 6. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.15592. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the viability of the vaginal route as an alternative to laparoscopy for patients seeking permanent surgical contraception.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 2021, dividing patients into two groups based on their preference: vaginal and laparoscopic salpingectomy. The statistical analysis was conducted using STATA, employing standard statistical methods based on the distribution of variables.

Results: The study included 64 patients, with 34 undergoing the vaginal approach and 30 the laparoscopic route. No statistically significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics or complications between the two groups. Both surgical methods were found to be feasible. The vaginal route demonstrated a significantly shorter mean surgical time (P < 0.001). The laparoscopic route exhibited significantly less intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001) and fewer hospitalization hours (P = 0.008). Postoperative satisfaction and pain levels did not show statistically significant differences.

Conclusion: Vaginal salpingectomy is a feasible technique with low complication rates, making it a potential option for gynecologists to offer their patients. We propose vaginal route inclusion in the training curriculum for gynecologic surgeons during the residency program, without any subspecialty requirements.

Keywords: definitive female contraception; laparoscopic; surgical contraception; tubal excision; tubal ligation.