Types of tubal ligation
There are different types of tubal ligation:
Bipolar coagulation
In this procedure, an electric current is applied to cauterize different sections of the fallopian tubes. These sections are typically 2-3cm long.
Monopolar coagulation
The fallopian tubes are cauterized together using an electric current. The current is then increased in order to damage the remaining of the tubes.
Tubal ring
A silicone band is placed over the doubled portion of the fallopian tubes.
Tubal clip
A permanent clip, similar to a tubal ring, is applied and fastened to the doubled portion of the fallopian tubes.
Fimbriectomy
The fallopian tube closest to the ovary is cut and removed.
When Can Tubal Ligation Be Performed?
Postpartum
Immediately after delivering a baby (cesarean section or vaginal delivery).
Postabortion
Immediately after abortion (whether spontaneous or induced).
Interval
A scheduled procedure specifically for a tubal ligation unrelated to pregnancy.
Procedure
Tubal ligation may be done while you are recovering from vaginal childbirth or during C-section delivery. It can also be carried out as an outpatient procedure (interval tubal ligation) that is separate from childbirth.
Before the procedure
- You may be advised to take a pregnancy test to ensure you are not pregnant.
- You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
- If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor for help quitting.
- You may be asked to fast after midnight the night before your surgery or 8 hours before the time of your surgery.
- Take the drugs your provider told you to take with a small sip of water.
During the procedure
In hysteroscopy
approach or trans-uterine tubal occlusion: You will be given anesthesia. The cervix is dilated and a hysteroscope is placed in the uterine cavity. The fallopian tube opening into the uterus is identified, and a "plug" is inserted into the tube as it passes through the uterine wall.
In minilaparotomy procedure,
In this procedure, you will be given either general or regional anesthesia (most commonly an epidural) and then the surgery would then be performed as the following:
- The surgeon will make a small, visible incision just beneath the belly button.
- The fallopian tubes are then drawn up toward the incision.
- A segment of the tube is cut to prevent it from being functional.
- The tubes will then be put back into place and the incision is closed with stitches.
- One or more small incisions near your belly button will be made by the surgeon. The surgeon may also make a small incision in your lower abdomen.
- Gas may be pumped into your stomach to inflate it. This gives the surgeon a better view and more room to work.
- A narrow tube with a camera and a light on the end will be inserted into your abdomen by the surgeon. This tube is known as a laparoscope.
- The surgeon will use long, thin instruments inserted through the laparoscope or another small incision to locate and grasp the fallopian tubes.
- Electric current can be used to cut, tie, clamp, band, or seal the tubes.
- Following surgery, the surgeon will close the incisions in the skin, most likely with 1 to 2 stitches. He or she will apply small dressings to cover the area.
After the procedure
After a tubal ligation, you will most likely go home the same day. Your surgeon will give you instructions about what to expect and when to take follow-up appointments after the surgery.
- The movement of the uterus during the surgery may cause some minor vaginal bleeding.
- If you had a laparoscopy, the air used to lift or separate your skin and muscles away from your uterus so the surgeon could see them better may have caused your stomach to swell (distended). This should pass in a day or two, but it could last longer. You may also experience back or shoulder pain as a result of the air in your stomach. As your body absorbs the air, it may fade.
- You can shower 24 hours later after the tubectomy. But avoid rubbing or pulling the incision area for at least a week.
- Be sure to take rest for a few days before you start to resume your normal activities. You should be able to resume all activities within a week.
Benefits and Risks
Benefits
- Tubectomy may permanently prevents pregnancy, so you no longer need to use any type of birth control methods.
- Tubectomy surgery may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, particularly if the fallopian tubes are removed.
- Tubectomy does not cause hormonal imbalances or contraindications which are commonly seen with the use of oral contraceptives.
- Removing or blocking the fallopian tubes is shown to decrease the chances of contracting pelvic inflammatory disease.
- It can be done at the same time as another surgery such as a C-section.
- Tubal ligation won't affect your menstrual cycle.
- It won't affect your desire for sex.
Risks
Possible risks and complications from the tubal sterilization operation include:
- An allergic reaction to the anesthetic
- Damage to nearby organs, such as the bowel or ureters
- Infection, inflammation and ongoing pain
- Hemorrhage (heavy bleeding)
- Infection of the wound or one of the fallopian tubes.
Longer-term possible risks and complications of tubal sterilization include:
- Pregnancy (the method is 99% effective, but there is a very small chance of the tubes getting unblocked, which would lead to pregnancy)
- Ectopic pregnancy, in which pregnancy develops outside the uterus (usually in the fallopian tubes) rather than in the uterus (womb).
- Post tubal ligation syndrome: The symptoms of post tubal ligation syndrome are menstrual problems, pain during intercourse, weight gain, absence of menstruation, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, increased headaches and lower back pain.
Tubectomy Care at Medicover
At Medicover, we provide the best treatment and care for tubectomy. Guided by our top gynecologists and obstetricians, the entire surgical procedure is focussed towards rapid recovery. Our highly skilled medical team utilizes their in-depth knowledge, quality care and professionalism to give you the best experience. Ensuring your comfort, our doctors will help you choose the best approach for tubectomy as per your need. We provide a wide variety of gynecological procedures using the most advanced technologies and world-class equipment to bringing out the best possible outcomes.
