Tubal ligation.

Since the laparoscope was introduced for sterilization there has been controversy about its safety. Advocates claim fewer thromboembolic and other complications, a shorter operating time, and a shorter stay in hospital. Antagonists emphasize serious complications such as diathermy of bowel and perforation of major vessels.' In Aberdeen, only five out of nine consultant gynaecologists use the method, while the other four are emphatically against it, using it only in exceptional circumstances. To help resolve this controversy we have compared 1910 cases of laparoscopic sterilization with 531 cases of tubal ligation performed during 1970-3.