Day case laparoscopic sterilization : time for a rethink?

The postoperative experiences of 50 women undergoing laparoscopic sterilization as a day case procedure were sought together with the views of their general practitioners. The women were not visited routinely at home and few contacted their general practitioners. All the women had chosen day care but one-third of those eventually discharged on the day of the operation wished that their stay had been longer; most of their general practitioners seemed unaware of these feelings. The importance of adequate discussion with the patient about postoperative pain is reviewed. The arrangements for postoperative care following the patient's return to the community is discussed.