Uptake of Bilateral Tubal Ligation as a Contraceptive Option at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki over a Four Year Period

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Uptake of Bilateral Tubal Ligation as a Contraceptive Option at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki over a Four Year Period

Darlington-Peter Chibuzor UGOJI^1*, Fidelis Agwu ONU¹, Obiora Godfrey ASIEGBU¹, Uzoma Maryrose AGWU¹, Ugochi Chimerem UGOJI², Chibueze Haggai NJOKU³

 ¹Departent of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
²School of Nursing, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
³Departent of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross Rivers State
*Corresponding Author

Abstract:-
Background: Family planning is one of the 12 pillars of reproductive health and bilateral tubal ligation(BTL) is a permanent method of family planning among females with low acceptance rate in Africa. It results in mechanical blocking or interruption of the fallopian tubes to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg. This study aimed to document bilateral tubal ligation rates, indications and methods used at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.
Methodology: This was a retrospective review of records from January 2012 to December 2015. The case files of all women who had bilateral tubal ligation were retrieved and reviewed. Data were retrieved, entered into a study proforma, reviewed and analyzed. The results were expressed using descriptive statistics.
Results: There was a total of 31 cases of bilateral tubal ligations(2.1%) out of the 1460 new acceptors of contraception within the study period. It were commonest among parturient aged 20–29years (41.4%), grandmultipara (72.4%), rural dwellers (75.9%), farmers (51.7%) and those with no formal education (38.1%). The commonest indication for bilateral tubal ligation was ruptured uterus (79.3%). Modified Pomeroy’s technique (75.9%) was the commonest method of tubal sterilization and majorly (79.3%) bilateral tubal ligation was done during laparotomy as a component of management of ruptured uterus. No complication specific to tubal ligation was noted.
Conclusion: Most of the bilateral tubal ligations were medically (Obstetrics) indicated and uptake was low compared to other forms of contraception.

Keywords: Family planning, female sterilization, permanent contraception, tubal ligation.

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