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About Tubal Reanastomosis

Women who have had previous surgical procedures to ligate the fallopian tubes may be candidates for surgical correction of these procedures to achieve pregnancy. Initial lab tests and a record review need to be done in order to ensure the best results possible for the surgical tubal repair. Tests are performed to assure you that you have a very good chance of becoming pregnant with this surgery before proceeding.

These include:

• Obtaining the tubal ligation/sterilization operative report and pathology report from the hospital where the surgery was performed prior to scheduling an appointment
• Semen analysis on your spouse within the last twelve (12) months
• Baseline FSH and Estradiol on day 1, 2 or 3 of your next period
• Blood test to determine if you have had or currently have Chlamydial tubal infections
• Diagnostic ultrasound

Tubal reanastomosis is performed through a three-inch incision with standard bikini lines. Your pubic hair is shaved and the incision is placed in the area over your bladder. Later your pubic hair grows back and hides the incision. This surgery requires the use of an operating microscope and sutures about the size of human hair to reconstruct the fallopian tubes. The surgery takes 2 to 3 hours and is done at a nearby surgery center. General anesthesia with intubation versus spinal anesthesia is required. Normally you will be discharged home on the same day as your surgery unless you live more than 20 miles away; if you do, then you will be required to stay in a local hotel overnight, and go home the next morning. You will need to stay at home for at least one week and up to three weeks.

Risks of this procedure include:

• Postoperative pain
• 10% risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Possible infection
• Failure to become pregnant

Success rate depends upon the previous tubal ligation procedure preformed:

• Hulka Clips (single application) provide the best chances (70-80%) of becoming pregnant
• Tubal ligations using the Pomeroy Method, suture, and cautery all have an equivalent 50-70% pregnancy rate with tubal reanastomosis
• If the end of the tube was removed or the tube was ligated at more than one site, pregnancy rates are greatly decreased with tubal reanastomosis. In these cases in-vitro fertilization offers the best pregnancy rates

Other factors affect the chances of becoming pregnant with tubal reanastomosis. Examples include: age, history of Chlamydia, salpingitis, or spouse with low semen analysis.

Our office will send a pre-determination letter to your insurance company to verify whether or not tubal reanastomosis is a covered expense. Surgery will not be scheduled until we receive a written response from your insurance company. For patients who do not have insurance coverage or do not desire to pursue insurance coverage, an affordable pre-paid, contract is available.

To learn more about this procedure or for additional questions you may have, please contact us at 281-332-0073 and one of our experienced staff will be able to assist you.