Publication:

A three-year retrospective study of female sterilization failure at a tertiary care hospital

Background This study aimed to analyze the demographic trends, clinical patterns, sterilization methods, timing of procedures, interval to failure, and etiological factors contributing to female sterilization failure over a continuous three-year period at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study examined all cases of sterilization failure documented between January 2022 and December 2024. Data were retrieved from departmental sterilization audit sheets and included age, parity, method of sterilization, timing, interval to conception, and causes of failure. Statistical comparison was performed against established literature.

Results A total of 60 sterilization-failure cases were recorded. The age group 26-30 years accounted for the largest proportion (38%). Most women were G2 (48.33%). The Modified Pomeroy Technique (MPT) was the most frequently used method and was associated with the majority of failures. The highest number of failures occurred between 1 and 5 years after sterilization. The leading cause of failure was tubal recanalization, accounting for 50% of cases, followed by non-ligation of tube and improper technique.

Conclusions Sterilization failure still occurs despite being regarded as a permanent contraceptive method. Appropriate case selection, strict adherence to standardized surgical techniques, and improved counselling can reduce the incidence. Periodic audits should be mandated to identify preventable factors and training gaps.