Sterilization and Thrombo‐embolism

Summary The incidence of thrombo‐embolism was 0.8 per cent after 743 postpartum tubal ligations but nil after 499 non‐puerperal sterilizations. The incidence of thrombo‐embolic complications after vaginal delivery without sterilization in 17 836 patients was 0.2 per cent. Although the differences are significant it is suggested that puerperal sterilization is justified in patients of high parity and low socio‐economic status because they are at greater risk from complications in a further pregnancy and are less likely to return for sterilization at another time.