The process to reopen and reconnect fallopian tube through an operation is called tubal ligation. This untying of tubes is done to restore fertility in females. When tubes get tied is called tubal ligation which prevents pregnancy by blocking the fusion of a sperm and an egg. To undo a tubal ligation, its reversal process is done in the woman who wants to conceive again.

What Kind of Tubal Ligation Can Be Reversed?

It is also known as tubal anastomosis which helps to repair obstructed fallopian tubes and its common types are as follows:-

1. Rubber Band

This type can be reversed if silicon rubber band is separately placed on each tube. These rubber bands are very strong and tied on the isthmic part of the tubes.

2. Pomeroy

It is done after a delivery in which a loop of each tube holds with a forceps and tied with sutures. Intervening segments of the tube are cut out or may be burned out. This type can be reversed if loops are not large or its whole ampulla is not removed.

3. Monopolar Cauterization

It involves cutting and adjoining the segments of the fallopian tubes which is done by using a laparoscope. Its repair may be done.

4. Filshie Clip

It can be easily reversed because this clip is fitted in the narrowest part of the tube. A surgeon can easily remove it and can tie tubes together with the same diameter.

5. Salpingectomy

Its reversal can be possible if some portion of the ampulla and tubes are left. Its repair cannot be done if the remaining parts are less than 3 cm which decreases its success rate.

6. Bipolar Cauterization

In this type, electric current is used to burn out the fragments of the tubes and it is known as cauterization. Two poles of electrical conducting forceps are used in which 2 to 5 cm of the tube gets damaged.

Who Can Opt for Tubal Ligation Reversal?

The success rate of this procedure depends on various factors and you can opt this operation while considering the following points:-

Age is the first criteria because its success rates are high in younger female in comparison to older.
It depends on your body mass index, less chances for an overweight person.
Fallopian tubes should be undamaged and have sufficient length in healthy condition.
Sexual health of your partner and yours is considered.
Have you gone through any kind of tubal ligation?

Procedure of Tubal Ligation Reversal

It is a surgical process which is done in the following ways:-

Before the Procedure

Your surgeon will perform the surgery after determining your medical history like tubal ligation surgery, pregnancy history and semen analysis of your partner. It is followed by some other additional tests, such as imaging and blood tests. You can increase the chances to reverse tubal ligation by quitting smoking and reducing the consumption of caffeine and alcohol.

During the procedure

This operation usually takes 2 to 3 hours which is performed by making a cut just below the bikini line. The surgeon uses robotic-assisted laparoscopy in which multiple incisions are made. It is done in the following steps:-

You will ask to lie down on the examination table and a general anesthesia is given to you.
Your urine will get collected by inserting a thin tube into the bladder.
A doctor will make multiples or a single cut into your abdomen to assess the fallopian tubes.
Now a surgeon will untie the tubes by opening its blocked ends and then its segments are reconnected.
To check whether the tubes get closed or not, it is done by running dye through the uterus.
After completing the procedure, the surgeon closed the cuts with dissolvable stitches and it is covered by a bandage.

Recovery After the Procedure

A woman has to stay for a few hours in the hospital after this abdominal surgery. After monitoring your vitals, you can leave the hospital once your doctor will ensure that you are safe to go home. Its recovery time depends on types of surgery. A doctor will give you pain relieving medicines and after surgery you can go back to your normal activities.