Tube Surgery Complications

Tube surgery, or tubal ligation, is performed to prevent a woman from being able to conceive a child. As with any type of surgery, complications include infection, bleeding and problems associated with anesthesia. A complication specific to tubal ligation is when the procedure fails to close the tubes completely, which could result in pregnancy within the first year after the surgery. That can also increase chances for an ectopic pregnancy, also known as a tubal pregnancy.

History

• Tubal ligation was first suggested in 1823 by a doctor who presented the idea to the Medical Society of London. In 1936, a doctor in Switzerland performed the very first laparoscopy tubal ligation. Prior to the 1960s, tubal ligation was performed only when a mother's life was at risk or if she had complications during previous pregnancies.

What to Watch For

• In some cases after a patient has a tubal ligation, she may suffer from painful menstrual cycles and heavier periods. It is a controversial subject, but some women claim that after they have their tubes tied, they suffer from what is called Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. Some of the common symptoms are heavier periods than normal, cramping, back pain and extreme mood swings. Some doctors claim that no such syndrome exists, while others feel that the syndrome is very real.

Benefits

• There are benefits to a tubal ligation. Once you have the procedure done, it is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancies. Conversely, once the procedure is finished and you change your mind about pregnancy, most tubal ligations can be reversed.

How Does it Work

• The tubal ligation is done to stop the egg from entering the uterus, where it can be fertilized. There are several methods that can be performed in order to do that: The fallopian tubes can be burnt, cut or banded.

Expert Insight

• Experts say women should know that a tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control, although most tubal ligations can be reversed. The success rate has many determining factors. One factor is the woman's age. If you are 30 years old or younger, your chances are better than a woman over the age of 30. Some doctors suggest a less-invasive alternative to tubal ligation: the tubal implant. Implants can be used to avoid surgery. This procedure is done by placing springs in the opening of each fallopian tube. Over time, scar tissue grows around the spring, which completely closes off the ends of the fallopian tubes, preventing the eggs from entering the uterus to be fertilized by the sperm.