Tubal Ligation Reversal

What is tubal ligation reversal?

Tubal ligation reversal is surgery to undo tubal ligation. Tubal ligation, commonly called “having your tubes tied,” is a surgery that prevents pregnancy by closing off your fallopian tubes. After tubal ligation, the only options for becoming pregnant are tubal ligation reversal surgery or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

A tubal ligation reversal reconnects or reopens your fallopian tubes. This lets conception happen so you can get pregnant.

Tubal ligation reversal is also called tubal reanastomosis.

How do you qualify?

You might be able to have a tubal ligation reversal if the surgery could help you get pregnant. Your healthcare provider will look at your age, your overall health, how your tubes were tied and how much healthy tube is left. They’ll help you understand if surgery is an option for you.

When can’t you reverse a tubal ligation?

If too much of your fallopian tube is gone or the end is cut off, reversal isn’t possible. Your surgeon needs enough healthy fallopian tube to reconnect.

There may be permanent damage to your fallopian tubes if they were blocked using devices like Essure^® or Adiana^®. This can make a reversal impossible.

Your healthcare provider may recommend against a reversal if other fertility issues make pregnancy unlikely.

What happens during tubal ligation reversal?

Tubal ligation reversal surgery lasts about two to three hours and takes place in a hospital. You should be able to go home the same day.

There are two main ways to do this surgery: mini-laparotomy and robotic-assisted laparoscopy. With a mini-laparotomy, your provider makes a 2-inch cut just below your bikini line. With robotic-assisted laparoscopy, your provider uses a console to control robotic arms that do the surgery through several tiny cuts in your abdomen.

Your surgeon will:

1. Give you general anesthesia so that you’re asleep.
2. Insert a catheter into your bladder to collect your pee.
3. Make one or several tiny cuts to reach your fallopian tubes.
4. Decide if your tubes can be repaired. If they can, your surgeon will open the blocked ends of your tubes and reconnect them.
5. Inject dye to check if your fallopian tubes are open.
6. Close the cuts with dissolvable stitches and cover them with a bandage.

What happens before tubal ligation reversal?

Your healthcare provider will explain the surgery and its risks. They’ll look at your medical and pregnancy history, including your previous tubal ligation. You may need blood tests or imaging tests, and your partner (or sperm donor) might need a semen analysis.

Is it painful?

You’ll be asleep during the procedure, so you won’t feel pain. Your provider will prescribe pain medications after surgery to keep you comfortable. You may feel some soreness where the incision is.

What happens after surgery?

You’ll stay in the hospital for monitoring until it’s safe for you to go home. Before you leave the hospital, your provider will tell you how to take care of yourself during recovery. You may feel sleepy or groggy for several hours after surgery as the anesthesia wears off. To be safe, you must have an adult drive you home.

What are the risks and benefits of tubal ligation reversal?

The biggest benefit of this surgery is that you can try to get pregnant.

The risks of tubal ligation reversal are low. Possible complications are:

• Infection
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Damage to other organs during surgery

Tubal ligation reversal can increase your risk of ectopic pregnancy, but the overall risk is still very low.

What is the success rate of tubal ligation reversal?

After a tubal ligation reversal, between 5 and 8 out of every 10 women will become pregnant. This is a broad range because so many factors affect the surgery’s success. Things like your age, the length of your fallopian tubes, how the original procedure was done and your surgeon’s experience all play a role. Your provider can tell you if they think it’ll be successful.

How long does it take to recover?

You should be back to your normal activities within two weeks. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re following their recovery instructions. Full recovery takes about four weeks.

How long does it take to get pregnant after the reversal?

Most pregnancies happen within the first year or two following tubal reversal. You’ll need to wait two menstrual cycles before trying to get pregnant.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You’ll have a follow-up appointment after surgery. You’ll get instructions on when to call if you have any problems before that visit. Your provider may schedule an X-ray dye test (HSG) a few months after your procedure to make sure your fallopian tubes are still open.

Call your provider as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test so they can check for ectopic pregnancy.

Does insurance cover tubal ligation reversal?

Many insurance plans don’t cover tubal ligation reversal since it reverses an elective procedure. Ask your insurance company about costs before deciding what’s right for you.