This just in: a tubal reversal question was featured on 9 News NBC of Colorado this morning. An interested viewer wrote to the show stating that she regrets having her tubal ligation and wants to have children again. However, she’s curious as to how safe tubal ligation reversal surgery is.
Dr. John Torres, the resident medical advisor on the show, replied with just about the best answer we could have asked for. He explained that it is indeed a very safe procedure and that the type of ligation previously performed is a factor in efficacy.
Is Tubal Reversal Surgery Safe?
First, tubal reversal surgery is a very safe option for restoring a woman’s fertility. The surgery is an outpatient procedure and only lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. An experienced anesthesiologist supplies anesthesia to the patient to keep her comfortable during the procedure. The surgery is then performed using a microscope and specialized tools, and the surgeon makes only small incisions and uses non-traumatic tissue handling techniques.
Once the procedure is done, the patient rests for 1 to 2 hours before going home or to a local hotel for a night of recovery.
Patients can expect to be back to their normal activities, such as walking, cooking, and cleaning, within 1-3 days. Most patients return to work within 3 to 5 days after surgery.
Dr. Morice was specially trained in microsurgical tubal reversal (clinically known as tubotubal anastomosis) at West Virginia University and has been performing the surgery since 2000.
With his microsurgical training and years of experience performing tubal reversals, his surgeries are minimally invasive and allow for a quick recovery.
Is Tubal Reversal Surgery Effective?
Dr. John goes on to suggest that the question for patients considering tubal reversal should instead be, “Is it effective?” About 80% of patients report pregnancies after a tubal reversal surgery. However, efficacy rates depend on multiple factors, including age, type of ligation performed, skill of surgeon, and medical history. For example, ligations performed using Filshie clips result in tubes that are easier to reconnect than other types of ligations.
It’s important to talk with your doctor discuss these and other factors to help determine if you are a good candidate for tubal reversal. Dr. Morice offers free over-the-phone consultations for any one interested in tubal reversal.
Interested in tubal reversal? Give Dr. Morice and our nurses a call at (985)-702-BABY (2229) or email us at drmorice@mybabydoc.com today.
