Tubal Reversal

What is a tubal reversal?

Tubal Reversal Photo A tubal reversal is a procedure that restores blocked or tied fallopian tubes to restore fertility in a woman. The procedure is called a tubal reversal because it is performed to reverse the effects of a tubal ligation, a surgical procedure which involves blocking the fallopian tubes (usually by tying) to prevent pregnancy.

Who should consider a tubal reversal?

This procedure can assist with pregnany if both partners are otherwise fertile. A tubal ligation can generally be reversed if the patient sustained minimal tissue damage during the original procedure. If the fallopian tube tissue was damaged during a tubal ligation, a tubal reversal may not be able to restore fertility.

What are the pros and cons of tubal reversal?

The good news is that women who undergo tubal reversal procedures generally have high pregnancy rates. The risks of the procedure include bleeding, infection, damage to other parts of the body, and other risks generally associated with having major surgery under anesthesia. Fortunately, these occurrences are rare, and the procedure is most often successful. The specific risks will vary depending on the patient and risks should be thoroughly discussed with a fertility doctor to ensure an accurate understanding of the procedure.

What happens during a tubal ligation reversal procedure?

The operation itself takes about 1 to 2 hours on average. Some doctors may perform the procedure in about 2 hours, while others may try to keep it under an hour in order to minimize operating and recovery time. The procedure can be performed under general or local anesthesia.

The actual procedure varies according to how the initial tubal ligation was performed. If a proximal tubal opening into the uterus remains, the doctor will probably perform a tubal anastomosis. If no proximal opening remains (i.e. the uterus has no protruding tube segments and only the distal portion of the fallopian tube remains), the doctor must perform a tubal implantation, which involves making an opening in the uterus and inserting the fallopian tube into the new opening.

The average recovery time for a tubal reversal will vary from patient to patient. Two weeks are often needed for the body to fully repair itself however each patient's healing time is unique. Discussing recovery periods is necessary to ensure a safe and quick recovery.