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Laparoscopic tubal recanalization is a minimally invasive procedure. The doctor recommends it to women who wish to reverse the contraception achieved through a tubal ligation procedure in the past.
Laparoscopic tubal recanalization is the procedure to remove fallopian tube blockages. The doctor performs it through minimally invasive surgery with the help of a laparoscope. Doctors recommend this procedure to women who wish to reverse their tubal ligation procedure.
Tubal ligation is a method of contraception that involves blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes. Tubal ligation prevents the egg from reaching the sperm, thereby preventing pregnancy. Laparoscopic tubal recanalization reconnects the cut or blocked parts. Successful tubal recanalization is possible in women who suffered minimal damage to their fallopian tubes during ligation.
Fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive system. The tubes extend laterally from the uterus to the ovaries. A tube is about 11-12 cm long. Anatomically, a tube consists of different parts. These are fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus.
The fallopian tube has several functions. The inner layer provides nutrition to the eggs, while the muscular layer contracts and assists in egg movement.
The doctor recommends laparoscopic tube recanalization to reverse the contraception attained after tubal ligation.
There are several reasons for tubal recanalization. The doctor performs the procedure when women undergo tubal ligation without proper counseling and regret their decision later. Other more common and valid reasons for tubal recanalization include the loss of a child in an accident or a woman’s remarriage due to divorce or the death of her husband.
Not all women are eligible for laparoscopic tubal recanalization. The doctor comprehensively examines a woman’s health on several parameters and then decides if the procedure can be performed. Some parameters include:
You may be under general anesthesia during the procedure. The surgeon makes a small cut on the abdomen and infuses carbon dioxide to raise the pelvic region. The doctor, through the incision, inserts the laparoscope to view the fallopian tube. The doctor then removes the damaged section, if any, and reattaches the fallopian tube. The entire procedure takes around 2-3 hours.
Laparoscopic tubal recanalization is a minimally invasive procedure. It has fewer complications than open surgery. However, like any other laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic tubal recanalization has the following risks:
Laparoscopic tubal recanalization is a safe and effective procedure. However, there may be some side effects after you are discharged from the hospital. Consult your doctor if:
Doctors discharge patients within one day after the procedure. Patients may resume their routine activities within three days after the procedure. They may remove the bandages after three days and can engage in sexual intercourse after one week.
Women may also experience bleeding for a few days. They should consult their doctors in case of significant blood loss.
Women may expect to have regular periods within six weeks post-surgery. During the initial few periods, women may experience heavy bleeding, pain, and discomfort.
Doctors perform the procedure under general anesthesia. Thus, there is no pain during the surgery. However, some patients may feel mild to moderate pain post-surgery. Doctors prescribe medicines to manage such pain.
Laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages. These include fast recovery, lesser hospitalization days, minimum complications, and small incisions.
Due to various reasons, tubal recanalization may not be an option for some women to restore their fertility and get pregnant. For such women, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is another possible option.
Approximately 50 to 80 percent of women achieve pregnancy after tubal recanalization. However, it depends on various factors, including their partner’s sperm count and quality, age, sterilization methods, and health of the fallopian tubes.
Komala’s Women Clinic is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the art, science and practice of reproductive medicine.
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