Tubal Ligation Reversal
Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Long Beach, CA
Tubal ligation reversal, also known as tubal anastomosis, is a surgical procedure that reconnects the fallopian tubes to enable conception and pregnancy. Ovulation causes a single egg to mature and release for fertilization every 28 days. But if a person has “had their tubes tied,” the fallopian tubes are blocked off, preventing fertilization. By repairing the fallopian tubes in a tubal ligation reversal procedure, patients can begin their conception journey.
Choosing the right time to conceive is an integral part of family planning. And because tubal ligation completely prevents pregnancy, it is an extremely effective form of contraception. Moreover, after tubal ligation surgery, there is no need to take any form of birth control. But when personal circumstances change, so too may the desire to have a baby. That’s why tubal ligation reversal surgery is a much-needed healthcare provision!
Dr. Aram Bonni is double board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology at PelvicPro. At his offices in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Long Beach, he performs tubal ligation reversal procedures for women who are ready to start a family. And, with locations in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Long Beach, patients can choose the most convenient place to undergo their procedure. Call (657) 888-3008 to schedule a personal consultation and learn more.
Contents
How Does Tubal Ligation Work?
According to the National Survey of Family Growth, around 30% of American women choose tubal ligation to prevent pregnancy. (1) A patient can schedule a tubal ligation procedure to coincide with a caesarian section, or request it postpartum. In the United States, two of the most common techniques are laparoscopy (keyhole) surgery, and laparotomy, a method that involves a larger abdominal incision.
The female reproductive system produces eggs, transports them to the place of fertilization, and creates a hospitable environment for pregnancy. The ovaries are glands that produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. They are also the place where eggs form. Once an egg reaches maturity, it begins its journey from the ovary to the uterus, through the fallopian tube. The fallopian tubes are paired passageways that connect the ovaries and the uterus. They are also the place where the egg and sperm meet, and fertilization occurs. However, when the fallopian tubes are “tied” during a tubal ligation procedure, egg and sperm cannot meet.
Tubal Ligation Techniques
Tubal ligation is an effective sterilization method with minimal risks. There are several tubal ligation techniques performed today. And because of these variations, there are also corresponding reversal techniques.
- Electrocoagulation – An electrical current is used to cauterize a portion of each fallopian tube, closing the passageway with scar tissue. Heat from electrocoagulation reduces bleeding.
- Mechanical Device – Silicone-lined titanium clips, bands, and spring-loaded clips are attached to the fallopian tubes, but no tissue is removed.
- Salpingectomy – A partial salpingectomy removes only part of the fallopian tube, while a bilateral salpingectomy removes both tubes entirely.
- Fimbriectomy – The thin, finger-like projections that connect the ovaries to the fallopian tubes are known as fimbriae. A fimbriectomy procedure removes these structures, but leaves part of the fallopian tube attached to the uterus.
- Tubal Excision – Part or all of the fallopian tubes are removed. (1)
Should a patient wish to conceive, there must be enough of the fallopian tube structures remaining to restore the passageways in a reversal surgery.
What is Essure?
Essure is a tubal ligation alternative that is no longer used in the United States because of its reported side effects. This procedure places two sterile coils inside the fallopian tubes. The coils trigger an inflammatory response, causing scar tissue to form. Unfortunately, the Essure device was found to cause multiple problems including cramping, bleeding, back pain, mood swings, and depression.
Find out more about Essure Removal at PelvicPro.
Tubal Ligation Reversal
- Patients who wish to become pregnant after surgical sterilization have two choices: reversal surgery to open the fallopian tubes or in vitro fertilization (IVF). And in many cases, patients choose a simple out patient surgery over prolonged, expensive IVF treatment. The cumulative success rate of tubal reversal is much better than in vitro fertilization resulting in higher number of pregnancies for a fraction of IVF cost.
An anastomosis is a surgically-made connection between channels, and in the case of tubal ligation reversal, it’s a reconnection of the fallopian tubes. Reversal surgery has been possible since the 1970s. However, advances in microscopic camera technology have made modern procedures far more accurate. Like the primary surgery, tubal ligation reversal can be performed in a variety of different ways, most of which are minimally invasive. At PelvicPro, Dr. Bonni can assess your needs, formulate a personalized treatment plan, and choose the most fitting reversal method based on your prior surgery.
Book a personal consultation at PelvicPro.
Benefits
Although every case is different, patients seeking tubal ligation revision surgery can expect the following benefits.
- The surgery is performed through a single incision while you are under general anesthesia.
- Incisions is small, just 5cm (2 inch) in length.
- In typical cases, the surgery can be completed in under 70 minutes.
- Patients return home the same day with pain medication and antibiotics.
- Reversal surgery is a single, usually minimally-invasive procedure.
- Tubal ligation reversal is cost-effective and has a good safety and success profiles. (2)
Important Considerations
Leading specialist in female pelvic medicine Dr. Bonni will ensure you receive the expert care and the most effective treatment available. Your decision to undergo any surgery is your choice, and your choice alone, especially when it comes to fertility and starting a family. It’s therefore important to have a clear picture of what to expect if you decide to reverse your tubal ligation, and have all the details you need at hand to make an informed decision.
If you’re considering tubal ligation reversal, it’s important to know its limitations and associated risks. Though rare, ectopic pregnancies can occur. To lower the risk, Dr. Bonni recommends following our early pregnancy monitoring guidance, early home pregnancy testing, and keeping regular records of your human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels.
Another factor that can affect your chances of becoming pregnant are those that were already present before any surgery took place. If you or your partner have had difficulty conceiving prior to your tubal ligation, your likelihood of conceiving will remain lower.
Candidates
Candidates for tubal ligation reversal are women who want to restore their ability to become pregnant. Patient education is key, so candidates should get as much information as possible, independently and from medical professionals, before they move forward with treatment. Generally speaking, the younger the patient, the more successful the surgery is likely to be.
Procedure
The specific details of your surgery will largely depend on how your tubal ligation was performed. And Dr. Bonni will take every prior factor in your medical history into consideration. During surgery, he places a tube inside the uterus. A special blue dye is introduced into the tube. This will travel through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. Once he has surgically opened them, free spillage of the dye from the ends of the fallopian tubes will indicate a successful surgery. (4) After your surgery, Dr. Bonni will provide specific instructions regarding your recovery to ensure your safety and comfort as you heal.
What is the Likelihood of Pregnancy After Reversal Surgery?
Success rates vary according to a number of different factors, including the following.
- Your age
- How the tubes were tied originally
- Your coexisting infertility issues
- Your partner’s fertility
Studies indicate that good candidates under 35 years of age, and those with enough fallopian tube for successful anastomosis can expect more favorable outcomes. With microsurgical reversal, pregnancy rates are reported between 57-80%. (5)
Cost of Tubal Ligation Reversal in Beverly Hills, CA
Your tubal ligation reversal procedure will follow a tailored treatment plan laid out by Dr. Bonni. Therefore, the associated costs will vary. Please see the PelvicPro website for financing information. Contact PelvicPro in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, or Long Beach at (657) 888-3008 or fill out our simple online form to schedule your appointment.
Read more about sexual wellness, fertility, urogynecological, and gynecological services at PelvicPro here. And, see our guide to the benefits of tubal ligation reversal over IVF on our blog.
References
- Sung S, Abramovitz A. Tubal Ligation. PubMed. Published 2022. Accessed November 29, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549873/#:~:text=%5B1%5D%20Tubal%20ligation%20accounted%20for
- Madison A, Alamri L, Schwartz A, Brolinson M, DeCherney A. Conventional Laparoscopy Is the Better Option for Tubal Sterilization Reversal: A Closer Look at Tubal Reanastomosis. Women’s Health Reports. 2021;2(1):375-380. doi:10.1089/whr.2021.0039 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8524733/
- van Seeters JAH, Chua SJ, Mol BWJ, Koks CAM. Tubal anastomosis after previous sterilization: a systematic review. Human Reproduction Update. 2017;23(3):358-370. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmx003 https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/3/358/3044150?login=false
- Godin PA, Syrios K, Rege G, Demir S, Charitidou E, Wery O. Laparoscopic Reversal of Tubal Sterilization; A Retrospective Study Over 135 Cases. Frontiers in Surgery. 2019;5. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2018.00079 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6333701/