No abstract

One-hundred women requesting voluntary surgical sterilization were included and enrolled into four groups (each n = 25). Four sterilization modalities were used namely: Falope ring, electrocoagulation, clip and Pomeroy ligation. The circulating levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron and total iron binding capacity were studied before sterilization and at 3, 6 and 12 months thereafter. No significant changes were observed at 3 and 6 months post-sterilization. At 12 months a significant increase in the hemoglobin and serum iron was observed with a significant decrease in total iron binding capacity. Falope ring, clip and Pomeroy ligation were of a higher rank in this context versus electrocoagulation.

Induction of labor was performed in 20 pregnant females with postmaturity (greater than 294 days) using either oral PGE2 tablets (0.5 mg) or i.v. oxytocin drip (each group n = 10). The induction-establishment interval was significantly shorter in the oxytocin group (P less than 0.005). Moreover, the uterine activity (in Alexandria units) at 3 h post-induction and at the end of the first stage of labor, was significantly higher with i.v. oxytocin (P less than 0.005). However, the induction-delivery interval did not differ in both groups. All cases delivered spontaneously with a satisfactory Apgar score.

The double balloon catheter proved to be an effective non-pharmacological method. The technique was simple and well tolerated by the patients. The side-effects of the prostaglandin and the cost of the medication were avoided.