Laparoscopy after previous abdominal surgery.

A total of 87 women underwent sterilization by primary laparotomy because of previous abdominal surgery. In no case were adhesions seen between the bowel and the anterior abdominal wall and in only 5 women were the adhesions between the omentum and anterior abdominal wall or uterus/adnexae so significant that the view at laparoscopy would have been insufficient. It is concluded that sterilization of women with a history of previous uncomplicated laparotomy can be done laparoscopically if the history and physical examination arouses no suspicion of severe adhesions. The procedure should be done by experienced senior staff in cases with previous abdominal surgery.