PIP: 100 patients who have had bilateral tubal ligation using a local anesthetic technique within 7 days of the delivery of their last child and 100 patients who have had the operation performed using general anesthesia were studied in the postoperative period to determine the incidence and nature of complications. The latter group comprised of 50 patients who underwent surgery within 7 days of delivery (general anesthesia postpartum group) and 50 patients who had their last child more than 7 days prior to the operation (general anesthesia interval group). There was no significant difference between the overall incidence of complications between the local anesthesia group and the general postpartum group. The general anesthesia interval group, however, had significantly more complications. The patients in the local anesthesia group complained of more pain in their back and legs while patients in both the general anesthesia groups had more pain in the upper limb and chest muscles. Complications included anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, and aches and pains.