Tubal Ligation and Its Reversal

Have you had your Fallopian tubes blocked or closed (ligated) to prevent pregnancy? Do you regret your decision now and wish to become pregnant again? Don't worry, you can have your Fallopian tubes reopened, untied, or reconnected via a surgical procedure called tubal ligation reversal.

What is Tubal Ligation?

Medically known as tubectomy, tubal ligation is a female sterilization surgery to cut or block a woman's Fallopian tubes within which the meeting of the egg and the sperm for fertilization takes place. The surgery disrupts the movement of the ovum (egg) released from the ovaries to the uterus and blocks sperm from meeting the egg, thus ending the woman's ability to conceive.

In the surgery, the Fallopian tubes, which are about 10 cm long and 0.5 cm in diameter, are cut or sealed with clips, clamps, or rings by making a small incision, approximately 1 cm long, near the navel. The whole procedure can be completed in about 30 minutes, and can be performed in outpatient surgical clinics under local anesthesia with sedation.

By some estimates, more than 650,000 women undergo tubal ligation in the United States every year. Many young women (mostly younger than age 30), however, begin to regret after undergoing sterilization through tubal ligation, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Others who decide to block their Fallopian tubes due to marital problems later regret their decision and wish to pursue tubal reversal surgery.

Tubal Reversal Surgery

Scientifically known as tubal reanastomosis, tubal legation reversal surgery is done to reopen the previously clamped or clipped Fallopian tubes to ensure sperm is able to fertilize an egg and the female patient can restore her ability to conceive naturally.

In the reversal surgery, the sealed or separated parts of the Fallopian tubes are reopened or reconnected using microsurgical sutures. The surgery can take one hour to complete and is usually done laparoscopically. The patient is discharged home the same day as the surgery.

Who Can Reverse a Tubal Ligation?

Women who had only small section of the Fallopian tubes removed during tubal ligation surgery can have their Fallopian tubes rejoined successfully. Also, women who had rings or clips placed across their tubes can have their tubal ligation reversed. Most importantly, the surgery is possible only in cases where remaining Fallopian tubes are healthy and have sufficient length, at least three to four inches long following the tubal ligation reversal.

Risks

The tubal ligation reversal carries a risk of injury to a blood vessel, excessive bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding organs, and reactions to anesthesia. The Fallopian tubes may re-block due to scar tissue that may form at the site of the tubal reversal. Very few tubal reversal patients may experience an ectopic pregnancy, a complex pregnancy condition in which the fertilized egg grows inside a Fallopian tube.

Recovery

Since the surgery requires smaller incision the pain following the procedure is minimal and recovery is rapid. Most women are up and return to work within a week. However, it depends on an individual' nature of job and the woman's own ability to recover.

Neelam is a freelance writer. She writes for Websites providing information about affordable medical and surgical treatments abroad. Women who wish to relive their experience of childbirth can go through Tubal Ligation Reversal in Mexico . Not only tubal ligation reversal, the cost of female body rejuvenation procedures, such as Mommy Makeover in Mexico is very affordable.