Pathology Reports Before Tubal Ligation Reversal
At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, we want to maximize the chances for pregnancy after tubal ligation reversal for all of our patients. One step that is helpful in planning for a tubal reversal procedure is examining the pathology report from a patient’s medical record. Pathology reports can provide critical information to a tubal reversal specialist since they convey additional information beyond what is contained in the operative report describing the tubal ligation.
What is a pathology report?
A pathology report- sometimes shortened to ‘path report’- is a typed report from a pathologist (doctor who studies healthy and diseased tissue) that describes the removed tubal segments. Usually when tissue is removed by a surgical operation, it is sent to a pathologist for examination. After this examination, a pathologist will create a typed report describing what was observed.
When a tubal ligation and resection procedure has been performed, a segment of fallopian tube was removed and most likely sent to a pathologist. Therefore, a pathology report should exist in the patient’s medical record. When a sterilization has been performed by tubal electrocautery or with tubal clips or rings, there will not be a pathology report because no tubal tissue is removed with these tubal ligation methods.
A pathology report will help our tubal reversal doctors determine exactly what was done during a ligation and resection procedure and what your chances of tubal reversal success will be.
Examples of Pathology Reports After Tubal Ligation
Here are some examples of what the pathology reports may show after a tubal ligation and resection:
Scenario 1
Operative note states, “A standard ligation and resection was done.” Pathology report states, “Two 1.5 cm isthmic sections of fallopian tube were examined.” In this case, the pathology report confirms that small amounts of isthmic tubal segments were removed and the chance of successful ligation reversal is very good.
Scenario 2
Operative note states, “A bilateral ligation was done…tubes were resected.” Pathology report states, “Two 4 cm sections of fallopian tube were examined and fimbrial ends were present on both sections.” In this case, the pathology report demonstrates that the patient has had a fimbriectomy. We would advise the patient that fimbrectomy reversal will be the appropriate procedure to reverse this type of tubal ligation.
Scenario 3
Operative note states, “A typical bilateral tubal ligation was done.” Pathology report states, “Two 7 cm section of fallopian tubes were examined.” In this case, the pathology report shows that large amounts of tubal length were removed. This is not a typical bilateral tubal ligation, and the chance of a reversing tubal ligation is remote. In this case, we would advise the patient that IVF would be a better treatment option for her than tubal reversal surgery.
Get Expert Opinion
As tubal reversal experts who specialize in ‘untying tied tubes’, we have found that most tubal ligations are reversible. Any patient considering ligation reversal should send us a copy of their operative report and, if ligation and resection was done, a copy of the pathology report. We will review these reports, without charge, and provide the best recommendation for becoming pregnant after tubal ligation.
Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith
Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
May 26th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I think that this is helpful information for potential patients as they are trying to figure out exactly what they had done at the time of their tubal ligation. It is clear that if someone is wanting to have tubal reversal surgery, Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is the place to begin their journey.
May 26th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
It is always best to have a copy of the pathology report from your tubal ligation, if applicable, forwarded to our office along with your operative report. However, if the pathology report is not available, it is still fine to schedule your reversal surgery without it. Often, the tubal ligation doctor mentions in the operative report how much tube was excised. It is normal to see approximately 2 cm of tube removed from each tube.
May 27th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Pathology reports are helpful in telling us exactly how your tubes were tied. After reading the information provided by the doctor who performed your tubal ligation we can give you an idea about your chances for a successful pregnancy. The good news is Dr. Berger can reverse approximately 98% of all tubal ligations no matter how they were performed.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
We review many tubal ligation operative reports and it is always more helpful when the accompanying pathology report is included. It is easiest to determine who is a candidate for a tubal reversal by having as much information as possible about the tubal ligation procedure. Of course, a tubal reversal can still be performed without a pathology (or operativer report).
May 28th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Yes, the operative reports are very important because it is always better to know what we are getting into ahead of time to be better prepared.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I believe that the pathology report is important because the tube are not measured prior to the ligation being performed. The measurements listed in the operative report are “guesitmations”. The pathology report takes the “guess” out of this process.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:33 am
This is a great example of helpful information patients have available on the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal website.
May 30th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Information on the type of tubal ligation, the length of the remaining tubes, and the health of the tubes are helpful facts to have prior to the tubal reversal surgery. If no records are available, a surgical procedure called a diagnostic laparoscopy can be performed here to visualize the ligated fallopian tubes through a scope from a small incision in the abdomen.