 |
|
Tubal Reversal Surgery - Reversing Sterilization
(also known as Microsurgical Tubal Reanastomosis, Microsurgical Tubal Repair, or MTR)
Dr. Galen and physicians of the RSC of the Bay Area are pioneers in the use of both the operating microscope and computerized robotics for female tubal reversal surgery. We are the largest providers of ambulatory microsurgical tubal reversal surgery in Northern California, and one of the few programs in the United States that provides complete out-patient treatment on site in our AAAHC accredited facility. If you would like further information on microsurgical tubal repair, please contact us.
This page contains the following sections:
Benefits
High successful pregnancy rates - Pregnancy rates following tubal reversal in our program average 80% in women under the age of 39. Specific success rates will also depend on the woman's age and type of prior sterilization procedure performed. Our 25 year experience, and many published journal articles have also demonstrated that pregnancy rates are also heavily dependent on the skill of the surgeon.
The average time between reversal and pregnancy is seven months. Women who had sterilization treatment that causes minimal tissue damage (such as clips, Falope Ring, Pomeroy, or Bipolar coagulation) are most favorable for reversal. If a fimbriectomy has been done or a large portion of the woman's tube removed, reversal efforts are usually not successful. In these cases, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is recommended. We operate one of the largest and most successful IVF programs in California, as well as a large microsurgery program. We can thus provide an unbiased opinion as to which procedure would be best for you, as well as the pros and cons of each technique.
Candidates
Women who have undergone sterilization with minimal tissue damage are candidates for this procedure, as long as the woman and her partner are otherwise fertile.
Before surgery, the couple will consult with a physician to evaluate factors that may affect future fertility. We will review a copy of the sterilization operative report. If the report is not conclusive that the patient will be an acceptable candidate, the patient may need a preliminary laparoscopy. The physician will usually order a semen analysis and, depending on the woman's age, a Clomiphene Challenge Test. If both are normal, then microsurgical tubal repair can be scheduled.
Risks
Microsurgery requires a surgeon who understands tubal physiology. It also requires meticulous control of bleeding, extremely gentle tissue handing, precise dissection, and exact placement of sutures in order to maximize the patient's future pregnancy rates.
The risks of surgery include bleeding, infection, anesthesia, and injury to other structures, although these are rare. In the past 25 years of tubal microsurgery, we have experienced virtually no complications in any patient.
Procedure
The actual surgery is performed under general or regional anesthesia, and average operating time is two hours. Patients rest for two to four hours in our recovery room before returning home. We advise several days of minimal activity. Most women are able to return to normal activities within two to three weeks.
Cost
Since most insurance plans do not cover the cost of tubal reversal surgery, patients will realize the advantages in programs that demonstrate high success rates as well as lower costs. Because we have an on-site operating room, we can offer these services at substantially lower costs than other hospitals in our area. Our costs are typically 1/3 to 1/2 the cost at other centers.
Related Articles:
Copyright 1999-2005 Reproductive Science Center ® of the San Francisco Bay Area
Joint Notice of Privacy Practices
Disclaimer
Member of IntegraMed Network of Infertility, IVF Treatment Clinics
Developed and promoted by IHR
Listed on Infertility
Resources