Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42224215›Full record

SynthesisPloS one2026

Economic evaluation of sterilization reversal in infertility treatment: A systematic review.

Brandon Chongthanadon, Suvijak Untaaveesup, Chayanis Kositamongkol, Pochamana Phisalprapa, Krasean Panyakhamlerd, Vitaya Titapant

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Brandon ChongthanadonFaculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Suvijak UntaaveesupFaculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8954-7824
Chayanis KositamongkolDivision of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7182-0733
Pochamana PhisalprapaDivision of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Krasean PanyakhamlerdDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Vitaya TitapantDivision of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesAlthough sterilization is intended to be permanent, some individuals later seek fertility. In such cases, options can be limited and financially burdensome. This review evaluated the cost-effectiveness of sterilization reversal surgery in previously sterilized individuals.

methodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus from inception in 1946 through December 2025, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. We included studies that analyzed cost-effectiveness or reported the costs of sterilization reversal in males (vasectomy reversal) or females (tubal anastomosis), with assisted reproductive technologies as comparators. Study quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022 checklist. Two authors independently screened each study to reduce bias. All costs per outcome were converted to 2024 United States dollars for analysis and comparisons.

resultsOf 1628 identified articles, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria. Almost all examined populations in high-income countries, such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Singapore. Thirteen studies evaluated tubal anastomosis, and eleven evaluated vasectomy reversal. Most studies reported lower total costs for sterilization reversal than for assisted reproductive technologies, with comparable outcomes. Vasectomy reversal was preferred for male patients irrespective of the female partner's age, whereas tubal anastomosis was preferred for female patients aged 40 years or younger. For older patients, assisted reproductive technologies were more cost-effective.

conclusionsTubal anastomosis and vasectomy reversal may be economically advantageous compared with assisted reproductive technologies for infertility due to prior sterilization. However, societal factors, including a country's socioeconomic context and policy feasibility, should be considered.

Indexed as

InfertilitySterilization ReversalVasovasostomyCost-Effectiveness AnalysisFemaleHumansMaleReproductive Techniques, Assisted

Identifiers

PMID42224215
PMCPMC13225410

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.