Pomeroy tubal ligation is a widely-used method for surgical female ste
rilization. A laparoscopic technique of Pomeroy tubal ligation using e
ndoloop sutures is compared with the conventional technique of Pomeroy
tubal ligation by minilaparotomy. Forty-four women requiring steriliz
ation were randomly selected for either laparoscopy (n=24) or minilapa
rotomy (n=20). Mean operative time in the laparoscopy group (18.90 +/-
5.56 with a range of 12-35 minutes) was not significantly different f
rom that in the minilaparotomy (23.12 +/- 8.24 with a range of 15-45 m
inutes) group. In all women, tubal specimens confirmed tubal histology
. Both laparoscopy and minilaparotomy procedures may be performed for
Pomeroy tubal ligation with minor morbidity. In clinics with appropria
te conditions, Pomeroy tubal ligation by laparoscopy may be preferable
to minilaparotomy.