Tubal reversal surgery is a technique that executes to reattach the two divided fallopian tube segments of a woman who has had her tubal ligation removed or tied. The purpose of this reversal surgery is to restore a woman’s fertility by reconnecting the healthy tubal segments with a feasible minor lesion. The surgery involves stitching and joining of the two tube segments together using microsurgical methods. Because the operation is usually performed through an abdominal incision, most women will need to stay in the hospital for a few more days for rest and recuperation.
There are two choices or options to choose from for women who have had a tubal ligation in the past and want to get pregnant again. A tubal reversal operation is the first option and the second option is to use in vitro fertilization or IVF, which effectively bypasses the fallopian tubes. The main advantage of tubal ligation reversal surgery is that it allows you to regain your capacity to become pregnant naturally while also avoiding the hazards associated with the alternative treatment of in-vitro fertilization. However, there are four crucial issues that a doctor will discuss with for every woman who considering tubal reversal surgery.
Sperm Efficiency
A semen study and analysis should be performed on a woman’s husband before a woman’s tubal reversal surgery in order to check that her partner’s sperm count and function are normal. If a couple’s sperm quality is inadequate, an IVF method is a better option for achieving conception.
Tubal Condition
The length of the remaining fallopian tube and the method used to execute the previous tubal ligation will determine the effectiveness and success of tubal reversal surgery. In general, having at least 4 cm of fallopian tube length left is optimal, as those with less tubal length have lower pregnancy rates. If you are considering tubal reversal surgery, bring a copy of your tubal ligation operative report to your doctor so he or she can figure out what type of surgery you had and how much tubal length you still have.
Age of the Patient
Tubal reversal surgery will be more successful in younger women because pregnancy rates typically drop with age. Natural pregnancy rates in women 43 years and older are generally low, hence tubal reversal surgery would be discouraged for women in this age group. Women between the ages of 38 and 42 should carefully evaluate their alternatives, as pregnancy rates are significantly lower in this age group than in younger women.
Amount and Condition of the Female Egg
Women are frequently advised to have their ovarian reserve tested, which determines egg quality and quantity. Tubal reversal surgery will be less successful if the ovarian reserve of the woman is low. On the third day of a woman’s menstrual cycle, this testing usually entails assessing the follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH and estrogenic hormone levels or doing a specialized ultrasound process called an antral follicle count. In general, women who have go through a tubal reversal should be closely monitored throughout their pregnancy period in order to ensure that it is not an ectopic pregnancy.
