Tubal LigationTubal LigationTubaligation or tubal ligation (informally known as getting one's "tubes tied") is a form of female sterilization, in which the fallopian tubes are severed and sealed or "pinched shut", in order to prevent fertilization. Tubal ligation is generally believed to be permanent and most doctors tell women who undergo tubaligation that it not reversible. However, in the majority of cases tubaligation can be reversed in less than an hour through outpatient surgery.
A tubal ligation can be done in many forms; through a vaginal approach, through laparoscopy, a minilaparotomy ("minilap"), or through regular laparotomy. Also, a distinction is made between postpartum tubal ligation and interval tubal ligation, the latter not being done after a recent delivery. There are a variety of tubal ligation techniques; the most noteworthy are the Pomeroy type that was described by Ralph Pomeroy in 1930, the Falope ring that can easily be applied via laparoscopy, and tubal cauterization done usually via laparoscopy. In addition, a bilateral salpingectomy is effective as a tubal ligation procedure. A tubal ligation can be performed as a secondary procedure when a laparotomy is done; i.e. a cesarean section. Any of these procedures may be referred to as having one's "tubes tied."
Tubal reversal (TR) is microsurgery to repair the fallopian tube after a tubal ligation procedure. Usually there are two remaining fallopian tube segments - the proximal tubal segment that emerges from the uterus and the distal tubal segment that ends with the fimbria next to the ovary. The procedure that connects these separated parts of the fallopian tube is called tubal reversal or microsurgical tubotubal anastomosis.
In a small percentage of cases, a tubal ligation procedure leaves only the distal portion of the fallopian tube and no proximal tubal opening into the uterus. This may occur when monopolar tubal coagulation has been applied to the isthmic segment of the fallopian tube as it emerges from the uterus. In this situation, a new opening can be created through the uterine muscle and the remaining tubal segment inserted into the uterine cavity. This microsurgical procedure is called tubal implantation, tubouterine implantation, or uterotubal implantation.
It is important to ask questions when considering a doctor to perform your tubal reversal surgery. At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, Julia Smith, RN, has compiled a list of questions - and the types of responses you should expect - to assist you as you research your options. VIP Questions about Tubal Reversal
Once the tubes are opened, there's a good chance every month of becoming pregnant naturally without resorting to complicated treatments such as in vitro fertilization (ivf). Studies of my patients who maintain contact for a year or longer after their surgery show that 90% have open tubes and 70% become pregnant. The pregnancy rate varies by type of tubaligation performed, tubal lengths, health of the remaining tubal segments, and a woman's age.
"During my 27 years in practice, I have developed tubaligation reversal surgery techniques that make reversing tubaligation comfortable and affordable. The procedure takes an hour or less and there is no hospital stay. Most women return to their normal activities within 5 to 10 days, compared with the standard 2 to 5 day hospital stay and 4 to 6 week recovery period after tubal reversal surgery. Since I specialize in and limit my practice to tubal surgery, my staff and I can concentrate on providing the best possible care for tubaligation reversal patients. " Gary S. Berger MD Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
Dr Berger's tubal reversal web site will help you find information about tubal ligation reversal. It is informative to read patients' testimonials and participate in discussions on our tubal reversal message board. You can order a free videotape of the operation I perform as shown on Discovery and The Learning Channel.
Tubal Ligation Reversal by Dr. Berger - Complete and accurate information about tubal ligation reversal from the tubal reversal doctor with the most experience.
Tubal ligation - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Tubal Ligation Reversal on Blogspot - Tubal reversal restores fertility after a tubal ligation. This is surprising to most people who have been told that tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control.
Preparing For Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery - Julia Smith, RN discusses preparing for tubal reversal surgery and why patients travel from across the US and abroad to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for their reversal procedure.
Tubal Ligation Reversal - Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is dedicated exclusively to performing tubal reversal surgery. Our Medical Director - Dr. Gary Berger - is widely recognized as the tubal reversal doctor with the most experience with this procedure.
Tubal Reversal - Tubal Ligation Reversal - Tubal reversal restores fertility after a tubal ligation. This lens describes how tubal reversal is performed as one-hour outpatient surgery and how to find out about the success of the procedure.
Tubal Reversal News - The 30 most recent news articles about tubal reversal surgery.
Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome News - Recent reports about PTLS and relief of symptoms after tubal reversal surgery.