In vitro fertilisation versus tubal reanastomosis (sterilisation reversal) for subfertility after tubal sterilisation

Yossry M, Aboulghar M, D'Angelo A, Gillett W

Published Online:

January 20, 2010

Many women choose tubal sterilisation as a way of birth control. Even if a small percentage of women later regret the decision, large numbers of women will seek counselling regarding reversal from their physicians. The review authors searched the literature and were unable to find any trial that met the criteria for this review. There is little likelihood that any future research will be conducted to compare IVF with tubal reanastomosis for subfertility after tubal sterilisation. Therefore this review will not be updated in the future.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Tubal sterilisation is the most popular contraceptive method in the world. Approximately 138 million women of reproductive age have had tubal sterilisation and there is evidence that increasingly younger women are being sterilized. With such large numbers of women choosing this option of birth control, it is clear that even if a small percentage of women later regret the decision, large numbers of women will seek counselling regarding reversal from their physicians.

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy of surgical tubal reanastomosis and in vitro fertilisation in terms of live birth rates. The morbidity and cost-effectiveness of both techniques were also to be compared.

Search strategy:

In a recent update of this review the following databases were searched: Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Review Group Specialised Register, MEDLINE (1966 to 2009), EMBASE (1980 to 2009), PsychInfo (1806-2009) and CENTRAL (2nd quarter 2009). We handsearched the reference lists of trials, reviews and relevant textbooks; searched abstracts from relevant conferences, and personally communicated with experts in the field.

Selection criteria:

Randomised trials comparing surgical reversal of tubal sterilisation with in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Data collection and analysis:

No RCTs were found that met the selection criteria.

Main results:

No data exist on which to report.

Authors' conclusions:

There is little likelihood that any future research will be conducted to compare IVF with tubal reanastomosis for subfertility after tubal sterilisation. Therefore this review will not be updated in the future.

This record should be cited as:

Yossry M, Aboulghar M, D'Angelo A, Gillett W. In vitro fertilisation versus tubal reanastomosis (sterilisation reversal) for subfertility after tubal sterilisation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004144. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004144.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

May 19, 2009

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Primary Review Group:

Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group

Health topics:

Gynaecology > Subfertility > Female: associated with other surgical conditions

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

In vitro fertilisation versus tubal reanastomosis (sterilisation reversal) for subfertility after tubal sterilisation

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