Untying tied tubes: Hulka clips
Posted On: Sunday, May 11th, 2008
Hulka Clip Sterilization
One common form of female sterilization is the use of Hulka clips to block the fallopian tubes. The Hulka clip was approved for use in the United States in the 1970′s and was invented in Chapel Hill, North Carolina by Dr. Jaroslav Hulka at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Hulka clip is a small, gold plated stainless steel spring loaded clip. The clip in introduced into the abdominal cavity via a laparoscopic clip applicator. This image shows the open clip in the applicator and the tip of the laparoscope with its fiber optic lighted end. When the clip is placed across the fallopian tube, it is closed and a small spring holds the clip firmly across the tube. The Hulka clip has the advantage of damaging only a very small portion of the fallopian tube- approximately 7mm (the thickness of three quarters stacked on each other).
The Hulka clip causes bilateral tubal occlusion by squeezing a very small portion of the tube. The squeezed portion is deprived of its blood supply and eventually undergoes avascular necrosis (dies and is absorbed by the body). This causes the fallopian tube to be divided in half and the two ends to close up. The Hulka clip is held in place between the two divided tubal segments by a small amount of scar tissue which forms within the clip.
Hulka Clip Reversal
A common misconception is that the Hulka clips can simply be opened to reverse the sterilization process – that the tubes can be unclipped. Unfortunately, tubal ligation reversal for Hulka clips is not as simple as opening the clips. Hulka clip tubal occlusion is reversed by removing the section of the tube with the clip across it and then, using microsurgical techniques, joining the remaining tube segments back together in perfect alignment.
Tubal reversal of Hulka clip tubal occlusion is better than for most other methods of sterilization because such a minimal amount of tube is destroyed in the occlusion process. Approximately 76% of patients at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center become pregnant after a reversal of a Hulka clip sterilization procedure.
Common Misconception About Tied Tubes
Many patients seem to imagine the fallopian tube is like a shoe lace which is tied up like a bow to prevent pregnancy. As tubal ligation reversal specialists, we wish it were that easy- then untying tied tubes would be easier!
‘Tying ones fallopian tubes’ is a common language phrase used to describe several different surgical procedures which result in sterilization (a procedure intended to permanently prevent pregnancy). The more correct medical term is bilateral (both sides) tubal occlusion (closure of the fallopian tube).
There are many different ways to occlude (close) the fallopian tubes: ligation and resection (tying and cutting), clips and rings, and coagulation (burning). No matter how the procedure is done the end result causes the tube to close, heal shut, and prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.
Tubal Sterilization is Reversible
Many people believe tubal sterilization is permanent and irreversible. Although Hulka clip sterilization is intended to be permanent, this procedure is ideal for tubal reversal. The Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is the one medical facility which specializes in tubal ligation reversal.
We have become experts in reversing all types of tubal ligations- or ‘untying’ tubes that have been ‘tied’!
Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith
May 11th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
This is very clear information to help illustrate what occurs with the clip technique and reversal of this type of sterilization. It also clears up the misconception that the clip can simply be removed to open or “untie the tubes”.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Whenever I read about the Hulka clip, I think of Dr. Hulka, one of my influential professors when I was an ob/gyn resident. Dr. Hulka stimulated my interest in the fallopian tube and tubal reconstructive surgery.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Thank you Dr. Monteith for the very informative blog about Hulka clip ligations. This will be a great resource to show patients who have had the Hulka clip ligation so they can understand a little better what they had done and how it can be reversed.
May 11th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Thank you, Dr. Monteith!
May 12th, 2008 at 4:26 am
I think that this information will be helpful to women as they are researching tubal reversal surgery. Information is always the key to making an informed decision.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Thank You Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith, by explaining the types of tubal sterilization. Maybe when women are asked if they want their “tubes tied” they can let the physician know what type they prefer.So if they want reversal surgery they will have some idea of what takes place.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:43 am
These are great illustrations and descriptions! And, like the Filshe Clip, makes for a very nice tubal reversal!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:50 am
The Hulka clip is an amazing invention and has helped so much as far as tying and untying tubes goes. It does its job at preventing pregnancies but is so good to reverse or “untie” and has the best results.
Thank you, Dr. Hulka!
May 12th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
This is another excellent example of the extent CHSC staff take to inform and provide education for the public regarding tubal reversal.
May 13th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Thank you for the information and pictures, Dr. Monteith. It definitely helps to see an illustration of the Hulka clips!
May 15th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Pictures are always helpful for patients. It makes the process so much easier to understand. Thanks Dr. Monteith.
June 4th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Thank you, Dr. Monteith, for explaining the various sterilization procedures available to women to help them make an informative decision on the possibility of a future tubal reversal. It’s nice to know there are choices available of sterilization procedures that are less damaging to the fallopian tube.
July 18th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I’m one of the lucky 76% that got pg after having a reversal with Hulka clips.
I’m thanking Dr.Hulka as well!
February 13th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Can you get pregnant after the procedure?
February 16th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Women who have reversal of Hulka clip tubal ligations have the highest pregnancy rates of all, so the answer is certainly, “Yes, you can get pregnant after the procedure.”
March 26th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I would like to know more about it,and how much would it costs to have it done.pinkcaddy101@hotmail.com
March 27th, 2009 at 4:17 am
LYNSETTA – Here is a link to the Tubal Reversal Cost page on the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center web site.
July 25th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I have a tubal clips on my tubes when I had them done. Now I have tubal ligation regret. Never in my life have I had to deal with such painful periods, heavy periods, ovarian cysts, and pain during movement and excerises. Even sneezing or getting up from a chair gives me pain. I’ve been told it’s “ovulation” and swelling of my tubes that’s causing the pain ,but it’s become more and more frequent over the last year and everything’s gotten worse. I would now give anything to have not had a tubal ligation and found another form of birth control.
I’m glad that I finally found information on the clip methods though, because everyone looks at me like I’m crazy when I say they were clipped and now it hurts. I was starting to think I was crazy because the emergency room doctors who treat me (when I can’t deal with the pain anymore on their prescription pain pills) look at me like I’m nuts.
August 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I would like to know how much tubal reversal costs and what kind of insurance you take.
August 12th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Dear April,
We offer several fee options for the reversal procedure:
1) Dr. Berger’s standard fee is $6900. With this fee, you can schedule your appointment and hold a date with a $250 down payment. But the balance is due three weeks prior to the surgery date.
2) Dr. Berger’s discounted fee is $5,900 and is due at the time of scheduling your surgery. In other words, if you called today to schedule surgery for next month, the full $5900 fee would be sent by tomorrow to get the discount.
3) Dr. Monteith’s standard fee is $6400. With this fee, you can schedule your appointment and hold a date with a $250 down payment. But the balance is due three weeks prior to the surgery date.
4) Dr. Monteith’s discounted fee is $5400. This fee is due in full at the time surgery is scheduled.
Your payment can be made by bank-to-bank wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, VISA, MasterCard or DISCOVER card. Both fees are all-inclusive and cover the doctor’s professional fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, supplies, operating room charges and facility fees, initial consultation with your surgeon, the post-operative nurse visit and follow-up by phone and e-mail.
We do not accept insurance as payment for surgical procedures. For patients interested in long-term payment arrangements, however, we do offer a pre-payment plan. With the pre-payment option, patients can pre-pay the surgical fee without interest prior to the surgery date. To utilize this option, a non-refundable $250 fee is mailed to us at: Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, 109 Conner Drive, Suite 2200, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514. At that point, an account is opened in your name and payments of any amount are made, as you are able — for as long as you wish. For the standard fee of $6900, you do not have to wait until the balance is paid to schedule surgery – you can schedule at any time with a $250 down payment. The balance is due at least three weeks prior to the surgery date. You may receive either of our discounted fees while using the pre-payment plan, but the balance must be paid in full prior to scheduling surgery. Please complete the pre payment account form and include with your payment.
If you need additional information or have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I will look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer O, R.N.
Patient Care Coordinator
June 17th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
I had a bilateral tubal done 12 yrs ago. Is it really possible you could reverse it?
June 17th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Ternesha
Tubal ligations can be reversed successfully and the amount of time that has passed since your tubal ligation does not affect the success of the surgery. You can view our Patient Testimonials and contact any of these patients by email for their opinion.
If you would like more information you should call (919) 968-4656 for a free tubal reversal consultation.
October 18th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
I’m 48 and had hulka clip sterilization in 1997 and was diagnosed with adenomyosis/endometrosis had a couple of benign cysts on the ovaries and maybe 1 or 2 small fibroids and was told I could possibly have adhesions since the sterilization procedure. I do not want anymore children but wonder what my options are if I just want the clips removed? What kind of re-sterilization procedure should I have done if any at all after a reversal at my age? my email is tsamper@hotmail.com. Thanks.
October 18th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Tina – You can have the Hulka clips removed by excising or cutting them out. The remaining tubal segments will be separated and no additional sterilization procedure is needed.
June 10th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Hello
I am 34 years old I had a tubial (hulka clips) in 1999 and just recently within the past 3-4 months starting 03/2011 to present. I have gained atleast 10lbs my stomach is getting big too. I get a lot of nausea both on my period and off my breast are sore a lot not just when i have my period but also between time. I have taken several pregnancy test the at home kind and all say negative! Is there a possibility that I can be pregnant? Please help me and let me know what i should do.
June 11th, 2011 at 8:42 am
Deanna
There is always a possiblity of pregnancy, but if your pregnancy test are negative then you are not pregnant. You could be suffering from annovulation and you should see your doctor for hormonal test.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
I can agree with jess.. I’ve had tubal clips for about 3yrs now and I can admit I’ve always had long periods but they never were so bad that they form clots I also have very bad and I mean BAD cramps it hurts during sex which it never has before. And just a few months ago I went to the er for pains and found out it was a cyst I NEVER HAVE HAD A CYST. All these symptoms are new to me and like jess said I’m regreting even get’n this done. This feb. Ill be looking into get’n them removed.
July 11th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
I had a tubal (hulka clips) three years ago, and my husband and I want more children now. Would my chances of getting pregnant be strong and will I need some type of fertility medicine to help us?