Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilisation Reversal

This procedure is performed for women who have had a Laparoscopic Tubal Occlusion (clips to the tubes) and then decide to have a further pregnancy. It is important to have your baseline fertility tested (including tests of ovarian reserve and function and semen analysis) to ensure that a spontaneous pregnancy is still possible.

The procedure is performed as a laparoscopy. The clips on the Fallopian Tubes are removed. The cut ends of both Fallopian Tubes are sutured using very fine suture material. A test is performed to confirm tubal patency. The procedure takes about 60 minutes and you will be in hospital overnight. The recovery time is the usual time frame after a laparoscopy – 3-5 days. 

A possible risk of the procedure is an ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes the clips have been placed at the original procedure so rejoining the cut ends of the tubes is not possible.

If the baseline investigations suggest that a spontaneous pregnancy is unlikely, Dr Cook will discuss other options including IVF with you.

Recovery from Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilisation Reversal

You will be given spare dressings from the hospital. The dressings which are on the four small cuts are water proof. They can be left intact for one week. It is fine to have a shower and get the dressings wet.

Most women will experience a sharp pain in the right shoulder tip or the base of the neck. This is referred pain from the gas being caught under the diaphragm.  This will settle over the first 24 hours. Most women will continue to experience a bloated sensation and sharp shooting sensations for the next 3-5 days. Feeling tired is common. You are advised to avoid swimming and intercourse for one week post procedure. You can expect to take 3-5 days off work. Dr Cook will call the day after the surgery to confirm that you are progressing well. She will review you 7-10 days post-operatively to monitor your progress, discuss the procedure and the pathology.