Tubal Reversal Information

A tubal ligation is performed to close a woman's fallopian tubes to prevent conception and pregnancy. When this procedure is surgically reversed, it is known as a tubal reversal, or tubal reanastomosis. While tubal reversal does pose some serious risks to the woman, it often makes natural pregnancy possible for many who undergo the procedure.

Significance

• The Center for Assisted Reproduction estimates that 700,000 tubal ligations are performed in the United States every year. Many women who undergo tubal ligations later regret their decision and desire to have the procedure reversed. According to the National Institutes of Health, between 50 and 80 percent of women who undergo a tubal reversal can successfully become pregnant.

Benefits

• For women who have undergone a tubal ligation, but now wish to become pregnant, a tubal reversal is often preferred to in vitro fertilization or adoption. A tubal reversal allows the woman to experience a natural pregnancy with a lower incidence of multiple births than in vitro fertilization. In addition, tubal reversals are fairly simple procedures that are performed on an outpatient basis. Scarring and recovery are usually minimal, and pregnancy often occurs within six months following the procedure.

Procedure

• Before a tubal reversal can be performed, a laparoscopy is done to determine if sufficient tubal length remains for the procedure. If so, the tubal reversal is performed using a mini laparotomy procedure. A 2-inch incision is made above the pubic bone and just below the pubic hairline. The blocked tube ends are reopened surgically and then realigned using a stent. The tubes are then reconnected with microsurgical sutures. After closing the abdominal incision, the patient can usually return home the same day.

Considerations

• Undergoing a tubal reversal requires missing a week of work or school to recover. For some people, recovery may take considerably longer. The procedure costs between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the facility used and the type of anesthesia required. Moreover, insurance does not pay for tubal reversals, which means the entire cost is out-of-pocket. However, financing is typically available.

Warning

• Tubal reversals pose a few serious risks, including anesthesia complications, infection and bleeding. As many as 5 percent of women who become pregnant following a tubal reversal experience an ectopic pregnancy, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include vaginal spotting, dizziness, lower back pain, a sharp one-sided pelvic pain and low blood pressure.