What is reverse tubal ligation?
A reverse tubal ligation is an operation to reconnect the
fallopian tubes after a tubal ligation. Tubal ligation, also
called having your tubes tied, is very popular among women
who want permanent birth control. Tubal ligation is an
operation that cuts and blocks a woman's fallopian tubes.
The fallopian tubes are the tubes that carry the eggs from
the ovaries to the uterus where they are fertilized by the
sperm.
When is it done?
If a woman decides that she wants to become pregnant again
after a tubal ligation, she has two options. She could
decide to try an assisted reproduction method, such as in
vitro fertilization (IVF). In this procedure eggs are
removed from the body and fertilized with sperm in the lab.
The fertilized eggs are then put into the uterus. Another
option is to have a reverse tubal ligation.
The choice between a tubal reversal and IVF depends on age,
method of tubal ligation, finances, sperm quality, egg
quality, and history of pelvic conditions. Information about
the type of tubal ligation done will be needed before a
decision can be made. During reversal, the damaged part of
the tube is removed and the good ends are sewn back
together. There must be enough length of tube to reattach
it.
Tubal reversal works best for women in good health and in
their late thirties or younger. The results are best from
this surgery if it has been 10 years or less since the
original tubal surgery, and only small sections of the tubes
were damaged. A physical exam, tests, and review of the
original tubal ligation are done to find out if the woman is
a good candidate for this surgery.
Most health insurance does not cover the cost of a tubal
reversal. Reversing a tubal ligation is a difficult
decision. Use all the information available and ask
appropriate questions before making a final decision.
How is it done?
A surgeon who is specially trained and experienced in
reproductive surgery should perform the procedure. The
procedure may be done with a single incision into the
abdomen. A microscope is used so the small tubes can be seen
easily. Another method is done with several small cuts in
the abdomen. A tool called a laparoscope is put into one of
the small cuts so the surgeon can see inside the abdomen.
Instruments can be put in the other cuts to do the surgery.
The surgery takes from one hour to several hours and it may
take several days to recover, depending on the procedure
used.
The success rate of the surgery varies. If the surgery is
successful, the chances of getting pregnant again are very
high. If there is a pregnancy, there is greater risk that
the pregnancy will be in the tubes. This is called a tubal
pregnancy.
For more information about tubal reversal, contact your
healthcare provider or visit the Web site of the
InterNational Council on Infertility Information
Dissemination at www.inciid.org.


Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a
replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File FMY4330F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.
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