Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation Reversal Overview

Tubal ligation reversal is a procedure to restore fertility in a patient who has previously undergone tubal sterilization. Tubal sterilization is a very popular method of birth control in the United States – over one million of these surgeries are performed annually.

Many sterilizations are done soon after delivery (post-partum) or during cesarean section. Others are done electively (interval tubal sterilization) either by laparoscopy or by mini-laparotomy. Tubes are either cut, burned, or both; rings (Falope ring) or clips (Hulka, Filshie) are applied to secure and permanently close the tubal lumen.

A significant number of these patients find themselves, later in life, wanting to conceive. Reasons include divorce, new marriage, loss of children, or simply the realization that they would like a larger family. Traditionally, tubal ligation reversal (tubal anastomosis) has been attempted through laparotomy (opening of the abdomen) and using microscopes or other image-enhancing devices. The recovery time after this type of operation could be several weeks.

Over the last few years, Dr. Carlos Rotman and his team have developed and implemented new techniques and instrumentation that allow us to successfully perform tubal ligation reversal laparoscopically in an outpatient setting. The lack of a large abdominal incision assures a much faster recovery and minimizes the immediate as well as the long-term complications.  In addition, surgical adhesion and scar tissue formation, which can interfere with tubal function after the reversal, is almost entirely eliminated with laparoscopic tubal anastomosis.

Our overall success rate with laparoscopic tubal ligation reversal is better than the traditional method; however, as with any other fertility treatment, success also depends on the patient’s age, type of ligation, and condition of the tubes at the time of the operation. Other fertility factors are evaluated and corrected as necessary.