Tubal sterilisation is a common form of birth control.
The operation to reverse this permanent form of contraception is known as Reversal of Sterilisation or Microsurgical Tubal Reanastomosis. The surgery employs the use of a very thin microsuture to carefully put the tubes back together and is considerably more involved than the operation performed for the sterilisation.
Reversal of tubal sterilisation can be performed by a laparoscopy or through a mini-laparotomy incision. If the procedure is completed by laparoscopy, patients are able to go home on the same day and their recovery time is much quicker compared to a mini-laparotomy, which may require up to two days stay in hospital and may restrict daily activities for a period of up to four weeks.
The success of the surgery is dependent upon several factors including:
- The length of the remaining fallopian tube following sterilization
- The use of tying
- Cautery or burning the fallopian tube
- Expertise of the surgeon