Fallopian tube ligation is an anti-conception method (a method to prevent pregnancy) in which the fallopian tubes (oviducts) are surgically tied off, cut or burned to prevent the ova to go into the uterus.

The fallopian tubal anastomosis, or tubal ligation reversal, is a surgical method in which the damaged region of the oviduct is removed and the remaining healthy parts are reconnected. This procedure restores the fertility of the patient. This surgery can be an option for those women who, for any reason, want to restore their fertility.

The success of this surgery depends on many aspects:

• the length and health of the remainig fallopian tube segments to be rejoined
• the skill of the physician (a surgeon specialized in microsurgery)
• the age of the woman at the time of the surgery
• the method used for the tubal sterilization
• the amount of scar tissue in the region of the surgery
• the quality of her partner's sperm and the incidence of other infertility factors

As the tubes are reopened, there is a high chance of pregnancy (although this cannot be assured), if the woman's tubes are healthy and if there are no other infertility factors. Within optimal conditions, pregnancy success rates are from 75 to 80 percent. Both the success rate and the time required to achieve pregnancy after the surgery are influenced by the factors above. Normally the first pregnancy occurs within the first year after the surgery.

This surgery takes normally from 2 to 3 hours, under general anesthesia. It is common to perform a laparoscopy before the surgery in order to evaluate the chances of success. If the surgery proves possible, a transversal incision (cut) is made just above the line of the pubic hair. An operating microscope is used for better visualization at the moment of connecting the small ends of the tubes together, using very fine, delicate suture material.

Tipically, the patient can return home the same day. After the surgery, the doctor will prescribe medications for pain, and set other instructions according to the case. Most of the patients return to their normal activities within two weeks.

Complications are extremely rare, but as in any other surgery, risks include potential problems with anesthesia and infection. After reverting the fallopian tube ligation, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring inside the tube) increases from 1 case in 100 to 5 cases in 100 pregnancies. This means that for any given 100 pregnancies, as many as 5 can be ectopic ones.

You can be a candidate for this surgery if there are no medical contraindications to pregnancy, if the remaining tubal segments have an appropriate length to be tied together, and if your partner's sperm analysis is normal. Keep in mind that the success rate decreases with age.

• Medical history and physical examination
• Semen analysis of the husband (or partner)
• Hysterosalpingogram (an X-ray plate showing the uterus and the tubes).

Other exams can be asked, according to particular situations.

The information herein is provided only for general knowledge about the procedure and it cannot be regarded as a medical advice.