Fallopian Tube Repair
The tubal reversal doctors at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center are specialists in fallopian tube repair. Although most of patients come to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for tubal ligation reversal, others come for fallopian tube repair after a tubal infection or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, or previous surgery involving the fallopian tubes.
Fallopian Tube Anatomy
The fallopian tube begins within the muscular wall of the uterus (interstitial segment), leads away from the uterine wall (isthmic segment), becomes wider (ampulla), extends to the widest area near the end of the tube (infundibulum), and ends next to the ovary (fimbrial segment).
The fallopian tube has several important functions that include:
- Capturing the egg at ovulation
- Providing the proper environment for fertilization
- Transporting the fertilized egg to the uterine cavity
When fallopian tubes have become damaged, pregnancy difficult and sometimes impossible to achieve.
Fallopian Tube Disease
When a fallopian tube is damaged and completely closed, sperm cannot reach an egg to fertilize it, and the egg cannot reach the uterine cavity. Common causes of fallopian tube damage are:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Other abdominal infections
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Prior pelvic surgery
Diagnosing Fallopian Tube Disorders
The possibility of fallopian tube damage should be suspected when a woman is either unable to become pregnant or has a history of multiple ectopic pregnancies. The diagnosis of a damaged fallopian tube usually is made from an x-ray procedure called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). During an HSG, a radio-opaque dye is placed into the cavity of the uterus and pictures are taken as the dye flows into the fallopian tube. If the dye does not travel freely from the uterine cavity and through the fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity, then fallopian tube damage is suspected.
Fallopian Tube Repair
Fallopian tube damage due to infection of the tube may result in a swollen, club-shaped tube called a hydrosalpinx. In this situation, the fimbrial end of the tube is closed by scar tissue. This is easily diagnosed by a HSG when the dye is seen to fill the fallopian tube but becomes trapped within it at its swollen fimbrial end. This is the most common type of tubal disease that results in patients seeking fallopian tube repair.
Repairing Hydrosalpinx
A hydrosalpinx can be repaired by the technique of microsurgical salpingostomy. In this procedure, the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube is opened and folded back where it is sutured in place to keep the tube open. Any scar tissue responsible for closing the end of the tube is removed. Pregnancy success rates after microsurgical salpingostomy are approximately 40%. There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy after repair of a hydrosalpinx, particularly if the internal lining of the tube has been damaged extensively. It is the internal lining, rich in cilia, that help move the egg down the tube to arrive in the uterine cavity.
Fallopian Tube Repair at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
The tubal reversal doctors at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, Dr. Gary Berger and Dr. Charles Monteith, are reproductive surgeons who are specialists in tubal ligation reversal and fallopian tube repair. They perform more than 800 tubal reparative surgeries each year for women from thoughout the United States and around the world. Their vast experience in repairing fallopian tubes allows women with fallopian tube damage to become pregnant naturally as opposed to the more expensive and complicated treatment of in vitro fertilization.
More Information on Fallopian Tube Repair
January 29th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Charlene – I would have to see your HSG images in order to be able to advise whether tubal surgery is needed or not. If you arrange with the radiologist to send them to me along with your contact information, I will be happy give you my opinion. You can see the address on the home page of the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center website.
January 29th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
I’m 23 years old and trying to get pregnant. I did an hsg and it said my right tube filled but it didn’t spill out and my left tubes is patent. What are my chances of getting pregnant naturally? Would it be wise to have tubal surgery done?
January 7th, 2010 at 5:40 am
The all-inclusive cost for repairing blocked tubes due to conditions other than tubal ligation is $7500. However, we are offering a $1000 discount on surgery scheduled before the end of February that could be applied to this cost.
January 7th, 2010 at 12:13 am
I would like more info regarding tubal repair. I have looked every where for specailists in this area. Currently, my tubes are blocked which was confirmed after an HSG. Can you tell me what the cost would be to have the tubes repaired. Your website only mentions the cost of having tubal reversal done. Thanks
January 6th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Danielle
If you have been a patient of ours then you should email your tubal reversal doctor directly for more advice about your medical situation.
If you have not been a patient then call one of our tubal reversal nurses at (919) 968-4656 for a consultation about the reason your tubes are blocked and the methods we can use to unblock these tubes.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
I saw my doctor last week. She said that I have blocked tubes and did not mention what is the reason is. Can the tube block naturally without any reason? Is it possible for me to fix it? Other sad news, my prolactin hormones is quite high which is 33.4 (normal maximum level is 24) and through my blood test result, it seems like no egg is being released.Does this mean no ovulation occurred? I have cried for 1 week. I cant accept the truth. I really hope there will be a miracle for me.
December 19th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
tqvm (millions time)
i’m so relief after read your answer. my husband is my only sexual partner and i’m virgin before married. impossible for me to get PID because i’m not sexually active plus i dont have any PID symptom.it seem like the dye is not enough to spill out into my peritoneal cavity. i really hope so. i really want to sent u my HSG test film but it has only one copy for my dr. i have to wait untill this thursday seeing my dr to discuss about the test. if i have any doubt about his explanation, i will refer to you.
December 19th, 2009 at 11:19 am
DANIEL – Adhesions at the end of the fallopian tube due to previous infection (PID) may be the cause of an abnormal HSG showing tubal blockage at the end of the tube. Another frequent cause is insufficient dye being injected into the tube when the tube is actually open. It would be necessary to see the HSG images to know what your situation may be.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:27 am
Dear Dr,
Thank you for your quick reply. FYI, I never do any surgery and never have any disease except I have eczema which I know not effect my reproductive system. May I know, what are the possible reasons that make my left tube become like that (normal pattern but no dye spill out to peritoneal cavity)?
December 19th, 2009 at 1:56 am
Danielle
Without knowing more of your medical history we can not offer advice about fimbriectomy reversal. I would suggest you wait to talk to your doctor to help understand what this all means.
December 19th, 2009 at 12:00 am
I’m 26 years old. I am already married for one year. I’ve undergone a HSG test yesterday. Everything is ok except the dye did not spill out of my left tube. I extremely worried about it. I cant eat, sleep and stress. I try to see the film and I all I can see is the fimbrial end of my fallopian tube is swollen. What does it mean because my radiologist said nothing.Ii can’t wait to see my doctor because I have to wait 3 days until the country holiday is over.
danielle
malaysia
December 16th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Denise
This can be reversed and pregnancy is possible. You should call the office at (919) 968-4656 but if you are hearing impaired I could recommend emailing our Nurse Administrator Julia Smith RN.
December 16th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
After I had second daughter, I got my tubes burned. I want to know if my tube can be reversed. I am 35 years old and deaf mother. I do regret my tubal. The reason was that I had my tubes cut and burned was because my ex-partner had children from previous relationships. I thought that we were still together forever but our relationship ended recently. I want to have one more kid ( I hope its boy). I have only girls.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Sola
There are three reasons why you may not be getting pregnant: blocked tubes, poor ovulation, or poor sperm quality. I would make an appointment with your doctor to get advice and start testing to figure out the reasons why you are not becoming pregnant.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:56 am
I am a 29 year old lady trying to have a baby. I have been having sex for a year,without getting pregnant and my period is regular. I want a baby now,could this mean that my tubes are blocked or I do not ovulate?
October 13th, 2009 at 5:56 am
QUICK – It sounds as if your doctor is saying you had salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is possible that tubal surgery could correct the tubal blockage. However, to know more about your situation, you would have to send us copies of your medical records including information about the hospitalizations and surgeries. If you need assistance in getting this information, call (919) 968-4656 and speak with a Tubal Reversal Nurse.
October 13th, 2009 at 5:32 am
I am 27 years old and married for almost 9 years. I was operated on in 1999 and 2006 for appendicitis. An ob-gyn said my both fallopian tubes are closed and it may be caused and infected by my operations. but I want to have a baby even just one, please help me…
September 24th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog about fallopian tube repair and tubal blockage!…..I”ll be checking in on a regularly now….Keep up the good work!
August 17th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Vicky
Your tubes can be unblocked if the damage has caused the tubes to be closed.
Please send us your records for review. You can also call (919) 968-4656 for a free tubal reversal nurse consultation.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
17 years ago I got PID from my ex-husband who had an affair. I already had 5 children, but after our divorce I remarried. It has been 16 years and I would really like to have one more child. My problem is that the PID scarred my tubes. I have already been through all the tests and my hormone levels are still excellent. Although they could not do the HSG they did try, but the catheter would not stay in, I have also had a laparoscopy and the adhesions were removed, I would like to try tubal repair before I consider IVF. Any information you could provide me would be most appreciative.
August 14th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Dawn
You should send us your records for review so we can make sure we understand your medical history correctly. If you truly have only 1 cm of tube on each side then we would not recommend tubal reversal surgery.
August 14th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Can you have a tubal reversal with only 1cm length of tube left on both sides? Is my only choice IVF at this point?
August 4th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Want to know
It is hard to tell what was actually done during your tubal ligation. You should send us your operative note for a free evaluation or call a tubal reversal nurse at (919) 968-4656 for a phone consultation.
August 4th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I had a c-section in 1997 and I have a tubal occlusion at distal one third for the fimbria bilaterally on both sides. Is it possible to have a successful reversal?
August 3rd, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Joey
You can become pregnant with your situation. It may be harder and take longer. If pregnancy is not occurring in a time frame you desire, then consider IVF.
August 2nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I had my right ovary removed about 2 years ago and after trying to conceive for about a year I went and had an HSG done. I was told everything looked good and about 4 weeks after my HSG I found out I was pregnant. The pregnancy was ectopic, my tube ruptured, and my left tube was removed. At this point, I have a left ovary and a right tube. I am trying to see if there is anything that I can do other then IVF to have a baby?
July 15th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
TM
We have done tubal surgery on many patients with only one ovary. Please read our blog article International Tubal Ligation Reversal: Age 40.
You should send us the reports of any tubal surgery you have had as well as any HSG X-rays. We will be able to review them and let you know if you are a candidate for tubal surgery. You can also call (919) 968-4656 for a free tubal reversal nurse consultation.
July 15th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I have only one ovary left. My tube is extremely damaged, I have had 3 ectopic pregnancies in the last 5 years. My Dr. said that I probably wont ever be able to get pregnant again because of the tubal damage. I don’t have any children yet. Is it possible to repair my remaining tube so that I may be able to get pregnant? How does one go about doing this?
June 20th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Yes, I will send you my all reports. I am just waiting to get my reports from the Dr. I am very confused if I have to remove my tubes or not. Dr. also said tubes are badly damage and if I want child must remove my tubes, but I don’t want to remove my tubes. THANKS A LOT
June 20th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
SAMI – If you would like to send your medical records here, I would be happy to review them to see if surgery may be a successful option for you. Copies of operative reports and HSG films would be most helpful to review.
Dr. Berger
109 Conner Drive Suite 2200
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Tel: (919) 968-4656
Fax: (919) 967-8637
June 20th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Dr said my both tubes damaged and right ovary has a tubo-ovarian cyst. I am 33 years old. Right ovary contains an endometrioma =23×56mm suggestive of a tuboovarian cyst. Dr said before going for ivf have to remove tubes. I had ivf last year but it was unsuccessful. Please help me. What can I do to become pregnant?
June 19th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
ASHLEY – Have you had a tubal reversal procedure done? If so, and you have become pregnant and miscarried, it does not need to be redone. If you are referring only to having had a tubal ligation and then became pregnant, you should have it redone despite what the HSG showed. In order to have conceived, then at least one of your tubes is open. Having a pelvic kidney does not diminish your chances of becoming pregnant, but can present complications during a pregnancy.
June 19th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I’ve had dye put in my tubes an the dr said they were blocked but 1yr after I became pregnant an had a miscarriage. Is it possible that I need to get this procedure done again or is it something else and I also have a pelvic kidney could that decrease my chances of pregnancy?
June 17th, 2009 at 4:26 am
TAMIKO – Yes, you can get your tubes repaired. Call (919) 968-4656 to talk with a Tubal Reversal Nurse.
June 17th, 2009 at 1:20 am
I had tubes tied cut and burned is it possible that I can get that repaired after 4years did that on count of bad marriage now I’ m married again husband want children.
June 16th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
SOHA – Call (919) 968-4656 to speak with a Tubal Reversal Nurse who can answer any questions you have.
June 16th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Hi, I really need help.
May 28th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I had one tube removed and one repaired. It has been over a year since my tubal surgery and I just had a HSG done, well during the procedure the tube looked as if it had closed again…What should I do? Get it reopened again? Is that possible? Or just go for IVF and let them remove both tubes?
May 18th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
It is repairable; however, we would need to see your records to give us a better idea. You should send us your records for review.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I had one of my fallopian tubes removed and the doctor said the other one was damaged. Is this repairable and what are my chances of having a baby? I’m 34 years old and have never had a baby and really want to have a baby.
April 7th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
JULIA -
If you check our tubal reversal pregnancy statistics by age, you will see that at age 37 you would have a 2 out of 3 chance of conceiving again after tubal reversal surgery at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
April 7th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I had my tubes tide when I had a C section in 1995 and now I’m 37 years old. I think there were tied and burned, not sure. Are my chances good at conceiving a child if i get the tubal reversal?
April 7th, 2009 at 7:29 am
The cost for tubal repair at our center is $5400. We have many patient who travel from Europe to have the repair procedure with our center. Many international patients find it is cheaper to travel to see us for fallopian tube repair rather than to have the surgery in their home country.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:24 am
I had my tubes tied then I started to bleed a lot and it would not stop. The doctor gave me a choice to either carry on bleeding or to have my tubes removed as they were both damaged by the ligation. I am in the UK do they do tube reversal repair over here. Also if I have to have it in the USA how much does it cost? Currently I am not working.
March 29th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I HAD THE TUBAL REPAIR TWO MONTHS AGO, IT WENT BETTER THAT I EXPECTED MY DR.SAVED MY TUBE AND OPEN THE FRIMBIAL JUST AS U EXPLAINED THE DAMAGE WAS REALLY SMALL, I HAVE JUST ONE TUBE .I START MY FIRST CYCLE OF IUI +CLOMID THIS MONTH AND I WAITING …
January 8th, 2009 at 12:27 am
and if the surgery is not successful is there any other procedure so that i would be able to have a beautiful son or daughter some day?
January 8th, 2009 at 12:24 am
i have a big problem i’ve been with my boyfriend for about 3 years on and off and we both got PID and this is my 4TH time being treated for it and he just recently got treated and so did i though the problem is were trying to have kids now and i was thinking about having the surgery done only thing is i don’t know how bad my fallopian tubes are scarred and we really want to have kids…do you think if i had the procedure done no matter how many times i had PID as soon as i got it all 4 times i got cured right away..do you think i would have a successful pregnancy if i had the procedure done?
January 1st, 2009 at 6:46 pm
[...] fallopian tube is 10-12cm long. On average, most tubal cauterization procedures involve 1-2 cm of tube. The amount [...]
January 1st, 2009 at 6:45 pm
[...] Further discussion of fallopian tube diseases and corrective tubal surgery, also called tuboplasty, can be found in this Tubal Reversal Blog article – Fallopian Tube Repair. [...]
December 30th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Dear Anonymous:
I am happy to talk with you at any time. If you will send me an e-mail at JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net, we can exchange contact information.
Julia Smith RN
December 30th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
THANK YOU SO MUCH MY PRAYERS ARE COMING TRUE. I WOULD LOVE TO READ MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROCEDURE. COULD YOU SEND ME SOME INFORMATION THROUGH THE MAIL IF ITS NOT A PROBLEM I CAN CALL TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH DOCTOR BERGER
December 21st, 2008 at 10:13 am
It sounds like you are describing the technique of fimbriectomy. This is reversible with the operation called salpingostomy.
December 20th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I think with the procedure I had I have numbs where it is suppose to look like little fingers. I don’t have that any more. I want to know if it is possible for me to have another child with the condition that I have. I just want another little angel with the help from you. Thank you.
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:27 am
The illustrations in this article are valuable in communicating the anatomy of the fallopian tube and in describing tubal function and repair. Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is also devoted to patient care through education.
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:20 am
Quashika -
If you go to the Getting Started page on our website, it will give you step-by-step instructions about how to proceed. Please contact Julia Smith, RN at JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net for further assistance.
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:29 am
I had my tubes tied when I had a c section. My doctor told me one thing about it but the doctor who did my tubal ligation told me that I can not get my tubes untied. I’m young with two kids already, but I want one more.