Tubal reversal surgery is quick procedure that has a high pregnancy success rate. This blog serves to discuss what patients can expect before, during, and after their tubal reversal.
Day of Surgery
On the day of your tubal reversal, Dr. Morice will meet you at the Thibadoux Medical Center, where you will be anesthetized for the procedure.
Once you are comfortably anesthetized, Dr. Morice will make a small incision below your pubic line. He will then use a microscope to remove the blocked portions of your fallopian tubes and reconnect the remaining segments. Dr. Morice then runs dye through each tube to ensure a successful reconnection.
Next, absorbable stitches are used to close up the initial incision on your skin. The anesthesiologist then wakes you up and you are taken to recovery.
When you awake, you can expect to feel a bit groggy, due to the anesthesia. Dr. Morice will review how the procedure went with you. You may experience mild pain, cramping, and soreness.
If you drove from less than 4 hours away, you and your guardian can then drive home for recovery. If you traveled a farther distance, you will need to stay at a nearby hotel for the evening. (Good news: Dr. Morice’s patients get a discount on hotel room rates.)
2 Weeks After Surgery
If possible, ask a friend or family member to help you out for the first few days after surgery.
You can expect to be mildly sore in the days immediately following surgery. Icing the wound may help. You may be taking medications to help with nausea or painkillers to ease the soreness. Stool softeners are also commonly used to prevent straining.
While most patients don’t have consistent pain, certain actions like coughing may cause pain. Holding a pillow over your wound will help.
Do not climb stairs, drive, or lift heavy objects (including small children and pets) for 2 weeks after your tubal reversal. Douching and baths also need to be avoided for 2 weeks.
Some patients experience gas pains after surgery. Walking and slow, deep breathing can help alleviate these pains.
Recovery time varies with each patient. Recovering strength in the abdominals can take up to several weeks. Dr. Morice will advise when any activities more intense than walking are allowed.
Most of our patients with desk jobs return to work with 5-10 days after surgery. Dr. Morice will advise on when it’s safe for you to return to work.
Minor complications after surgery are common. After a tubal reversal, many women develop a urinary tract infection. This is easily treated. If you experience burning while urinating, call Dr. Morice.
Serious complications are rare but can occur. Our nurses will advise you on these before your tubal reversal.
