Bilateral Tubal Ligation

• What Is Bilateral Tubal Ligation?
• Effects Of Bilateral Tubal Ligation
• Candidates For Bilateral Tubal Ligation
• Your Consultation
• The Procedure
• Recovery
• Follow Up
• FAQs
  • Is Tubal Ligation reversible?
  • How effective is a tubal ligation in preventing pregnancy?
  • Can Tubal Ligation help prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
  • Can Tubal Ligation help prevent Cancer?
  • Will there be any menstrual changes associated with Tubal Ligation?
  • Will Tubal Ligation delay menopause?
  • Is Tubal Ligation the same as Hysterectomy?

  What is bilateral tubal ligation?

  Bilateral Tubal Ligation is a procedure in which a womans fallopian tubes are cut, clamped, blocked, or tied to prevent the eggs from the ovary to move to the uterus. The sperm as well cannot travel up to the fallopian tubes to reach the egg for possible fertilization. Since fertilization cannot be achieved, pregnancy is thereby prevented. This procedure is considered to be a permanent form of birth control because reversal of it cannot be guaranteed.

  This procedure can be done anytime, including right after vaginal deliver or in combination with other abdominal surgeries. It is an out-patient procedure and recovery time right after takes only a few hours.

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  Effects of bilateral tubal ligation

  Bilateral Tubal Ligation is done for patients who no longer want to bear children in the future. Permanent Sterilization is achieved after surgery.

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  Candidates for bilateral tubal ligation

  Bilateral Tubal Ligation is a procedure intended for women who are considering permanent sterilization after having their desired number of children. This procedure could also be chosen by women who should not become pregnant for health related reasons like cardiac disease or uterine problems.

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  Your consultation

  Tubal Ligation is considered to be a permanent form of sterilization and thus requires a great deal of thought and consideration from both the patient and her husband or partner concerned. Generally, patients who undergo this procedure have an intent for it to be permanent. Although reversing the surgery is sometime possible, it requires major surgery, and is not always successful.

  During the consultation, your surgeon will inform you about the procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and complications. Your complete medical history will be taken and physical exams are performed. Several pre-operative tests may also be done prior to the surgery. If you do decide to have the surgery, pre-operative instructions will also be given.

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  The procedure

  The laparoscopic approach is usually used when Tubal ligations are done. The patient is first put under General or Local Anesthesia. An instrument then is inserted thru the vagina to adjust the uterus to the desired position for surgery. After which, a small incision is made in the abdomen, usually around the navel, to insert a flexible telescope-like instrument to see the uterus. The abdomen is then insufflated (inflated for better visualization) using Carbon dioxide gas and another flexible-tube instrument is inserted though a second incision to block the tubes. The tubes can be cauterized, clipped, or incised for it to be blocked. The procedure takes about 30 min. to 1 hour

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  Recovery

  The patient is monitored for a few hours before she is allowed to go home. Minimal pain, discomfort and cramping may be felt after the procedure, but proper prescribed medications may be given to alleviate this. Shoulder pain may also present right after because of the Carbon dioxide used during the surgery. She will be instructed on how to take care of her surgical wound and the signs and symptoms she must watch out for to avoid possible complications.

  Most women return to their normal activities, including work, in a few days, although you may be advised not to exercise during the first 7 days. You may resume sexual intercourse 1-2 weeks after the procedure or when you feel ready to do so. You are advised to use some form of contraception until your next menstrual period.

  In the next 24 hours after anesthesia has been administered, please do not: Drive any motor vehicle Drink alcohol Ingest sedatives or tranquilizers Operate machinery Handle any sharp or potentially harmful instruments e.g. knife, scissors Make important decisions

  Arrange for someone to accompany you home and keep you company overnight after the surgery.

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  Risks and complications

  Although major complications are uncommon after tubal ligation, as with any type of surgery, there are still some risks involved with the procedure. Some of these include bleeding, damage to other organs, and infection. Tubal Ligations are usually almost always 99% effective, with only a 0.1-1% failure rate.

  Follow up

  Most women recover from the laparoscopic procedure with no complications at all, but follow-ups are recommended for continual assessment. There are no tests to confirm that you are now sterile (unable to become pregnant) after a laparoscopic procedure.

  Consult your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  Increased pain or swelling from the wound Bleeding or purulent discharge from the wound Heavy or persistent vaginal bleeding or foul-smelling vaginal discharge Fever of more than 38 C persisting for more than 6 hours

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Q: Is a tubal ligation reversible?

  A: It may be possible to have your tubal ligation reversed, but only 50 to 80 percent of women are able to conceive after the procedure. If you do conceive, you are at a higher risk for an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy).

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  Q: How effective is a tubal ligation in preventing pregnancy?

  A: The chance of you becoming pregnant in the first year following a tubal ligation is less than 1 percent. The failure rate increases with the length of time from the procedure. The failure rate is as high as 5 percent after 10 years.

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  Q: Does a tubal ligation help prevent sexually transmitted diseases?

  A: No, a tubal ligation does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDS)

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  Q: Does tubal ligation reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?

  A: Yes, tubal ligation has reduced the risk of ovarian cancer in several case control studies.

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  Q: Will there be any menstrual changes associated with Tubal Ligation?

  A: There are usually no menstrual changes associated with Tubal Ligation. Normal Menstrual cycle patterns may resume after surgery. Although changes may occur, it would be for secondary reasons such as stopping birth control before the procedure, or taking them again after.

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  Q: Will Tubal Ligation delay menopause?

  A: No, it will not delay the onset of menopause.

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  Q: Is ligation the same as hysterectomy?

  A: No, it is not. A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of a womans uterus (womb). The uterus is where the baby grows once the woman is pregnant. This operation is usually done when there are uterine problems discovered i.e. fibroids, cancer, unresolved vaginal bleeding.

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