Tubal Reversal
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Tubal Reversal FAQs
The contemporary procedure of choice for tubal reversal is a microsurgical repair. High pregnancy rates after microsurgical repair are consistently reported, making this form of reparative surgery increasingly popular. This procedure is done under microscopic magnification through an open incision, the so-called bikini cut incision. Pregnancy rates after tubal ligation reversal operations range upwards to 90%. Pregnancy rates correlate well with the final length of the tube after the procedure. The highest pregnancy rates are noted when lengths are greater than 4cm. Sterilizations causing minimal damage to the tube, as seen after a Hulka clip of Falope ring procedure are most likely to be successfully reversed. However, many pregnancies are conceived after any type of tubal sterilization reversal.
This procedure can usually be done on an outpatient basis. You will be discharged with pain medication. The recovery time after the surgery is usually 10 days, and the patient should not lift anything heavier than 20 pounds the first 4 weeks after surgery. All of the sutures are placed under the skin so no suture removal or staple removal is required after this procedure. The patient may begin trying to become pregnant immediately after surgery, and virtually all the pregnancies occur with the first year after surgery. Because of the recovery time, several surgeons have attempted to perform this procedure through a laparoscope which will minimize the recovery time. However, early results with this technique have not been as promising as hoped for, and the open incision technique under microscopic magnification is still the preferred method.
Complications for tubal reversal include the normal risks of surgery including infection, bleeding, damage to the bowel or bladder, and death from anethesia. These risks are quite small compared to a more major surgery such as hysterectomy. There also is a slightly increased risk for a tubal pregnancy after a tubal reversal procedure, so if a menstrual period is missed, the patient should immediately obtain a blood pregnancy test known as a quantitative hCG level. If this is positive, then this result should be followed up in 48 hours with another blood test and than an early ultrasound examination to make sure the pregnancy is in the uterus (womb) and not in the Fallopian tube.
Costs/Coverage
Drs. Young and Cooper perform the Tubal Reversal Procedure (also called Tubal Re-anastamosis) at the Lakeview Surgery Center and West Lakes Surgery Center. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
Because this surgical procedure is not covered by any insurance carrier, you are required to pre-pay the full amount of the surgery by the time of your pre-operative appointment. Our professional fee for the procedure is $3,500.00. In addition, you will have an initial consultation fee of $150.00, which is payable whether or not you elect to have the procedure performed.
Additional fees you will incur for this procedure include costs from the Lakeview Surgery Center for your procedure and post-surgery recovery as well as anesthesia services from Associated Anesthesiologists. To receive a quote of charges for the their services and payment requirements you would need to contact them at the numbers listed below.
Financing Options
We accept all major credit cards, cash or money order.
FAQ
How long is the recovery after a tubal reversal?
You will be off work for about 10 days and it will be 4 weeks before you are able to do heavy (> 20 lbs.) lifting.
What are the pregnancy rates after a tubal reversal?
Pregnancy rates after a tubal reversal are 80-90% with ideal circumstances.
How is a tubal reversal done?
A tubal reversal is done microsurgically through a minilaparotomy (small bikini line incision).
When can we try to become pregnant after a tubal reversal?
You may begin trying to conceive the first month after a tubal reversal. The majority of women become pregnant within the first 18 months after the procedure
Will I be admitted to the hospital for this procedure?
Most tubal reversals are done as an outpatient surgery. This means you are not admitted to the hospital. At the Lakeview Surgery Center we can schedule an overnight stay if you prefer.