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.
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.
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
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