Tubal Reversal Surgery

Many women, in pursuit of having a permanent form of birth control, choose to have a procedure known as tubal ligation. This process, also known as getting your tubes tied, offers a number of benefits for women who are uninterested in having any more children or in having any children at all. Not only is it a permanent solution, but it can also be convenient since you don’t have to remember to take a pill or use other forms of contraception.

However, for as many reasons as there are to get tubal ligation, there are an equal number of reasons why a woman may go through the procedure only to have a change of heart later on in life. In some cases, women who wish to get pregnant even after having their tubes tied are sometimes candidates for a restorative procedure known as tubal ligation reversal.

What is Tubal Reversal Surgery?

In tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut and tied, or blocked, which prevents the eggs from traveling from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes. The procedure also prevents sperm from traveling into the fallopian tubes to meet the eggs.



In tubal ligation reversal, the scar tissue that was made during the original ligation procedure is removed so that the fallopian tubes can be reconstructed and the blocked portions can be reconnected. If the procedure is successful, the eggs will be able to once again travel from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes, where they can potentially meet sperm.

What To Expect During a Tubal Reversal Surgery

We perform most of our tubal reversal procedures using the Da Vinci Robot. With the Da Vinci system the average patient will have 4 laparoscopic incisions on her abdomen roughly 1 cm in length, closed with absorbable sutures. The surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient going home the same day. The average recovery time after the surgery will vary for each patient, but averages 4-7 days. In recent days Dr. Furr performed the first ever single site tubal reversal surgery in our area in a little less than an hour.

There are many types of tubal ligations and not all can be reversed. A tube is normally 9-11 cm in length (approximately 3-4 inches) and success rates are highest if there is more than 4-5 com (1 ½ -2 inches) of continuous tube after reversal. The less damage done to the tube at ligation, the higher the success rate (i.e., using “clips” or “loops” produces the least amount of damage and has a better chance of success). Providing a copy of the operative note helps us to determine the type of ligation that was performed, the extent of the damage and the potential for reversibility. If a pathology report is available, it can also be helpful in assessing how much tube was removed.

Getting Pregnant After Tubal Reversal Surgery

Successfully conception after tubal ligation reversal can depend on several variables, including:

Age

Type of tubal ligation

Body mass index

The condition and length of the remaining portion of the fallopian tubes

Sperm and egg quality



Many women are able to get pregnant again via natural methods after having tubal ligation reversal. 

Want More Information?

If you’ve had tubal ligation in the past and have since had a change of heart, a tubal ligation reversal procedure may be the best option for you. To learn more about this procedure schedule a your consultation today!