Understanding Tubal Reversal Surgery: What You Need to Know
Posted on July 23rd, 2024
Tubal reversal is a surgical procedure that allows a woman who has previously undergone tubal ligation to conceive again. During the procedure, a surgeon reconnects the fallopian tubes. It's important to note that a tubal ligation may not be successfully reversed if too little tube is left or the tube is damaged.
How Does a Tubal Reversal Work?
A tubal reversal requires general anesthesia so that you won't be awake during the procedure. Your surgeon places a small lighted scope, called a laparoscope, through the belly button and into the pelvis area, allowing them to look at your fallopian tubes and decide if reversal surgery is possible.
If the surgeon determines the procedure is viable, they will make a small cut near the pubic hairline. Using microscopic instruments attached to the end of the laparoscope, they will remove any clips or rings that were used to block the fallopian tubes and reconnect the ends to the uterus using tiny stitches. The surgery typically takes about two to three hours and is generally performed in a hospital or outpatient center.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Tubal Reversal?
If you only had small parts of your fallopian tubes removed or if your tubes were closed with rings or clips, tubal reversal may be a suitable option for you. Some surgeons believe that the best candidates for tubal reversal are women under 40 who have undergone tubal ligation immediately after childbirth, a procedure known as postpartum tubal ligation.
Tubal Reversal Success Rates
According to Mount Sinai, 30-80% of women achieve pregnancy after tubal reversal. Whether a woman becomes pregnant after this surgery can depend on various factors, including:
- Age
- The presence of scar tissue in the pelvis
- The method used for the original tubal ligation
- The length of the rejoined fallopian tube
- The skill of the surgeon
Most pregnancies following tubal reversal occur within 1 to 2 years.
Tubal Reversal Surgery or IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an effective alternative to tubal reversal surgery. It bypasses the need for open fallopian tubes. Instead, the doctor retrieves the eggs from the ovaries and fertilizes them with sperm from a partner or donor. Then, the embryo is transferred to the uterus, hopefully resulting in a successful pregnancy. IVF can be more expensive than tubal reversal but produces higher success rates.
Explore Your Options
If you’re interested in having a child after a tubal reversal, you have multiple options. At Aspire Fertility, we can help you review tubal reversals, IVF, and other fertility treatments so you can make the best decision for your family. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our reproductive specialists, contact us today.
