How is a Tubal Reversal Ligation Done?

What Is It For

Tubal ligation is a method of birth control. It involves a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are severed, cauterized, or otherwise blocked off with the intent of preventing eggs from reaching the ovary. It is an extremely effective method of birth control and is intended to be a permanent means of sterilization. Nonetheless, there are situations in which women that had previously had a tubal ligation performed wish to have the procedure reversed. Reasons for this can include the desire to have another child, ectopic pregnancy, menstrual problems, mood swings and sleeping problems. Tubal reversal ligation is the procedure designed to reconnect or to remove the obstruction of the fallopian tubes.

The Procedure

There are two methods for performing the tubal reversal ligation--minilaparotomy and laparoscopy. In the minilaparotomy procedure, an incision ranging from 1 to 3 inches is made beneath the navel. The fallopian tube ends are pulled up. Any damaged tissue is removed and the interior of the tube (referred to as the lumen) is sutured using a extremely fine material. The exterior of the tubes (referred to as the serosa) are then sutured and the fallopian tube is placed back in the body. Due to the size of the tubes, magnification is required to perform this procedure. In the laparoscopy, gas is used to inflate the abdomen to create enough room for the surgeon to navigate inside the body. Again, an incision is made below the navel to allow the laparoscope (a narrow tube that micro-surgical tools can inserted through) to be passed into the abdomen. The fallopian tubes are repaired inside the abdomen, but otherwise the repair procedure is fundamentally the same.

After the Procedure

Following the procedure, there is a standard overnight stay at the hospital for observation. Depending on the duration of the procedure and any complications that may arise, longer hospital stays of several days can be required. Pain and antibiotic medication may be prescribed as a precaution on discharge. Typically, there are no dietary restrictions, though it is always best to consult the doctor about diet. There can be lifting restrictions following both types of procedure and total recovery time can range from 10 days to three weeks. Women who receive tubal reversal ligation are a higher risk group for ectopic pregnancy and should monitor their menstrual cycle carefully. In the event that menstruation is late, a pregnancy test should be taken to guard against the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. For those seeking another child, it is generally recommended to wait for at least one full menstrual cycle to pass before actively pursuing pregnancy following the surgery.