Reversal of Tubal Ligation

Indication

   Previous tubal ligation

The Procedure

   General anaesthesia

   Incision made on the skin

   Peritoneal cavity entered

   Previous tubal ligation site excised

   Tubal patency is restored by re-connecting the cut ends of the tubes under microscope

   Abdominal wound closed

Photographic and / or video images may be recorded during the operation for education / research / documentation purpose. Please inform the staff if you have any objection.

Risk and Complication

   Increase risk of ectopic pregnancy in the future

Benefit of the procedure

   The previous ligated tubes reconnected

   Can try to get pregnancy spontaneously success rate is around 60-85%. This depends on the length of tubes that remain after the previous tubal ligation and other factors affecting the fertility of an individual such as age and semen quality of the partner. Sometimes it may not be possible to reconnect the tubes if too much of the tubes have been destroyed or removed or if the most distal portion of the tube (fimbria) has been removed.

Risk and complications may include, but are not limited to the following:

   General anaesthetic complications

   Bleeding, may need blood transfusion

   Injury to neighbouring organs especially the bladder, ureters and bowels

   Infection

   Wound complications including infection and hernia

Risk of Not Having the Procedure

   Remains subfertile

Possible alternatives

   In-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (i.e. Test tube baby)

Other associated procedures

   Nil

Any special follow up

   Nil

Remarks

The information contained is very general. The list of complications is not exhaustive and other unforeseen complications may occasionally occur. In special patient groups, the actual risk may be different. For further information, please contact your doctor.