Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery

“Regrets, I’ve had a few; but then again too few to mention.”  ~Frank Sinatra

When a woman believes that she has completed her family, she often will seek a permanent method of birth control. There are currently 3 methods of permanent sterilization available in the United States. Tubal ligation, hysteroscopic sterilization (Essure), and vasectomy (sterilization of the male) are all very effective methods of preventing future pregnancies. Tubal ligation, a surgical procedure to block the Fallopian tubes, is the most common sterilization method chosen by women in the United States. This minor surgical procedure can be performed within days following the birth of a child (postpartum) or at a later time (interval tubal ligation). All methods of tubal ligation require a small incision to be made in the abdomen. There are many different techniques available to physicians for creating this “sealing” of the tubes; “burning” (cauterization), clips, plastic rings, and sutures can all be used to accomplish this sterilization. All these methods of tubal ligation are very effective (98.5%) in preventing pregnancy.

Frequently in today’s society, however, situations change. Divorce, death, remarriage, or just a change of mind may make one’s decision to be sterilized a few years earlier, now regretted. At CNY Fertility Center, we see many couples seeking children after one of the partners has been sterilized by either vasectomy (male) or tubal ligation (female). Some couples decide to have children by undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This method can be used when either the male or the female has been sterilized. The eggs are removed through the vagina and then mixed with ejaculated sperm or aspirated sperm (if the male partner has had a vasectomy). Pregnancy rates vary by the age of the female, but optimally can run as high as 50%.

The alternative to IVF is surgical reversal of the sterilization. Surgical reversal of tubal ligation is performed frequently at CNY Fertility. This is accomplished by placing a small incision in the lower part of the abdomen. Once the incision is placed, an operating microscope is positioned a few inches above the abdomen. The microscope allows the infertility surgeon to see the Fallopian tubes greatly magnified. The blocked section of each tube is then removed. The ends of the tubes are examined and then brought together, using a very fine suture that is a 1/3 the size of a human hair. The operation lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours. Microsurgery of the Fallopian tubes requires specialized equipment and advanced surgical skills. Recovery time is usually about 2 weeks. Complications are rare. The pregnancy rates after tubal ligation reversal vary by age. In the 35-year-old and under group of patients, the pregnancy rate approaches 80%.

Men who have had a vasectomy and want children may choose between IVF with sperm aspiration or vasectomy reversal. Surgical reversal of vasectomy is performed by urologists affiliated with CNY Fertility Center.

Dr. Stephen M. Cohen leads our tubal ligation reversal surgical program. He has been a leader in tubal ligation reversal research and teaching for the last 30 years. He is past Director of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)  Microsurgery postgraduate training courses and has taught hundreds of physicians from around the world this procedure. He has published numerous journal articles, chapters, and textbooks on this subject.

NOTE:
For more information on conceiving after permanent sterilization, please schedule an appointment with us at CNY Fertility Center by calling  800.539.9870 (toll free), 315.469.8700 (local to Syracuse)

7 Responses to “Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery”

  1. Kmberly says:

    What are the costs for a reversal surgery? Do you have payment plans for it like there are with the IVF? Does insurance cover any portion of the procedure?

  2. jennifer says:

    I would like to know how much it cost to have your tubes reversed.I had mine done 7 years ago after my son was born. I am now with the man i will be with for the rest of my life and we would love to have a child together.i would like some info on how much,how long it takes and the odds of having a baby after surgery.

  3. mendy says:

    I was wondering how much is the cost. and where can I go to get it done

  4. Lisa Stack says:

    Hi Mendy, Jennifer, and Kimberly,
    The tubal ligation reversal procedure can be coordinated through our Syracuse and Albany offices. For more information regarding price of the Tubal Ligation Reversal, please call or email our billing department: http://cnyfertility.com/2010/01/22/contacts-to-address-your-billing-questions/

    If you would like to schedule a consult for this procedure, please contact our office: http://cnyfertility.com/about-us/contact-us/

    Best of luck!
    Lisa

  5. Jennifer says:

    I got a tubal and ablation this past March. Since then I’ve experienced severe, debilitating symptoms of post tubal ligation syndrome and I’m considering a reversal. Have you had any PTLS patients? I know a lot of doctors don’t believe it’s a real condition but I just can’t believe it’s coincidence that the symptoms started as soon as I got the tubal. Palpitations, anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, weakness… it’s just too much! I’m on hormone therapy and it’s not helping! I would be interested in your opinion on this, Dr. Cohen!

  6. melissa says:

    i would like to have it done.

  7. Lisa Stack says:

    Hi Melissa,
    Please contact our office to schedule a consultation: http://cnyfertility.com/about-us/contact-us/

    We will then be able to get you started!
    Lisa

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