Complete Compared With Partial Salpingectomy for Postpartum Sterilization

Abstract

In this narrative review, we describe evidence regarding the associated risks, benefits, and cost effectiveness of postpartum complete salpingectomy compared with partial salpingectomy. Permanent contraception can be performed via several methods, but complete salpingectomy is becoming more common secondary to its coincident benefit of ovarian cancer risk reduction. Small prospective studies and larger retrospective cohort studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of complete salpingectomy in the postpartum period. Additionally, multiple cost-effectiveness analyses have demonstrated the cost effectiveness of this method secondary to ovarian cancer reduction over the life span. Although future larger cohort studies will allow for more precise estimates of the effect of complete salpingectomy on ovarian cancer risk and incidence of rare complications, current data suggest that complete salpingectomy should be offered to patients as a method of permanent contraception in the postpartum period.