Can Burned Tubes Be Reversed?
Posted On: Monday, August 16th, 2010
Burning tubes is one of several ways to perform a tubal ligation.
The burning of fallopian tubes is a common form of tubal ligation in the United States. Many doctors prefer this method because of its ease and simplicity.
At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, we specialize in tubal reversal surgery and very often we are asked if burned tubes can be reversed.
We have discovered burned tubes can be easily reversed and that a more important question needs to be answered before considering the reversal of burned tubes.
Can Tubal Coagulation Be Reversed?
The phrase ‘burned tubes’ is a horrible phrase, which creates vivid images of fire, smoke, and total tubal destruction.
The more correct medical term for burning tubes is tubal coagulation. During a tubal coagulation procedure, electric current is used to cause necrosis (or death) of the cells exposed to the current. The tube is closed after the coagulation procedure; however, it is the healing process which causes permanent tubal closure. Although the tubal cells which have died from the procedure can not be regenerated, the blocked ends of the fallopian tube can be removed and the two tubal segments rejoined.
Tubal coagulation is reversible and natural pregnancy is possible after burned tube reversal.
Can You Get Pregnant With Burned Tubes?
Most people imagine burned tubes as the most effective tubal ligation procedure known to medical science. This is not true.
Pregnancy can happen after any tubal ligation procedure. This is generally referred to as tubal ligation failure. Getting pregnant after a tubal ligation can be a serious problem, because these pregnancies are high risk for an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Pregnancy can happen after any tubal ligation and even after having burned tubes.
Are Burnt Tubes Reversible?
Burnt tubes are reversible and we have considerable experience in this area. Most patients and doctors have a very negative impression of tubal coagulation (burned tubes) because it evokes horrible images of scarred and damaged fallopian tubes. Our experience suggests the burning of the tube is not a major concern. A more important question that should be answered before considering reversal is how much of each tube is burned?
Unlike some of the other tubal ligation methods, the tubal coagulation method is very dependent on the doctor. There is no one way to perform a tubal coagulation procedure. Some doctors will burn the tube once, most will burn the tube 2-3 times, and some will burn the tube multiple times. Multiple tubal burns that are widely spaced apart can cause serious damage to the fallopian tubes.
Most doctors will burn the tubes in 2-3 areas, but very close together. Others will apply multiple burns that are widely spaced apart. When multiple burns to the tube are applied widely spaced apart then this can cause fallopian tube degeneration and the tube may not be repairable. Since there is variability in how doctors perform the tubal coagulation procedure it is very important to have the operative note reviewed by us before considering a reversal of burned tubes.
Pregnant After Reversal of Burned Tubes: What Are The Chances?
Burned tubes can be reversed and the chances of getting pregnant after reversal of burned tubes is good. How do we know? We maintain an extensive pregnancy database with statistics on the chances of becoming pregnant after tubal reversal. We have followed over 5,000 women who have had tubal reversal. Of these a significant proportion of women underwent tubal coagulation procedures and, on average, the pregnancy success after reversal of burned tubes was 66%.
Burned tubes can be reversed and pregnancy after reversal of burned tubes is possible. For more information call and speak to a member of the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center at (919) 968-4656 for free tubal reversal advice.
Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith
August 17th, 2010 at 7:05 am
Very informative, should give more understanding to women who have had this tubal ligation procedure. Good job Dr. Monteith.
August 19th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
“Our experience suggests the burning of the tube is not a major concern.” This phrase in itself is very reassuring about tubal reversal of burned tubes!
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Thank u for the information on reversing burned tubes.
August 25th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
This is incredibly informative about reversing burned tubes. Thanks for sharing!
August 30th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Thanks for the encouraging article about tubal reversal following coagulation.
September 14th, 2010 at 1:08 am
I got my tubes clip burnt cut and i am only 23 and i would like them reversed but i would like to know how much this would cost? Thanks
September 14th, 2010 at 2:54 am
L.b – Here is information about tubal reversal cost.
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:45 am
Do you have an office in California?
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:38 am
Devlinia – We don’t, but you can see from the pins in the map that many women have come from California to Chapel Hill, NC to have their tubes reversed successfully at the Tubal Reversal Center.
November 29th, 2010 at 8:45 am
I had my tubes burned and buried is there still hope for reversal?
November 29th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Pam
This can often be reversed and the chances of pregnancy after reversal of coagulated tubes can be high. Please send us your tubal ligation operative note for review.
February 27th, 2011 at 11:59 pm
I had my tubes burned about 4years ago and I have regretted it from the time I woke up in that hospital. Now all I want is another child. I am tired of being depressed over it but what do you do when you don’t have all that money for a reversal ? Is there any hope for me ? Now I know it sounds crazy but my mother in law says that she had her last 3 yes 3 kids after having her tubes tied, cut and burnt she even said she had part of the tube removed. I really want to know is that possible ? at the time i felt like I had no choice and I was sick in and out of the hospital the whole time I was pregnant I wasn’t thinking clearly and now all I want is 1 more chance.. what can I do ?
February 28th, 2011 at 9:44 am
Nikki
Burned tubes can be reversed and pregnancy is possible. You can start a tubal reversal payment plan with us and pay gradually towards tubal reversal. Tubal reversal would be a more affordable and better option than IVF.
March 27th, 2011 at 6:34 am
[...] happen so fast. I saw all the women say that and thought, well most of them didn’t get their tubes burnt. But I did. Now I know its possible. You have to stop looking at stats, and just try and make your [...]
September 19th, 2011 at 7:58 am
I am 31, and just recently remarried, I have three children from my previous marriage and my new husband has no children, and we are wanting children together. I thought that I had just gotten my tubes tied, but after getting a copy of the surgical report, I’m a little confused. It says that tissue submitted, right and left fallopian tubes. So, it sounds like they removed my tubes! I’m hoping I’m wrong, but can u please explain if there is hope for us? I heard that u could have artificial tubing. Thank you for any information you can give me.
September 19th, 2011 at 8:02 am
Dusty – You can fax a copy of your operative report and the pathology report to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center at (919) 967-8637. Dr. Monteith or I will review them and let you know what they show and whether your tubes can be reversed successfully.
November 24th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
[...] Ligation method: Tubes burned and cut – More Information on Reversing Burned Tubes This entry was posted on Thursday, November 24th, 2011 [...]
December 1st, 2011 at 12:01 am
Thank you for the information..got my tubes done about 2 years ago and now i want another baby. so good to know that it can be reversed
December 5th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
I’m 40 years old i had my tubes clipped and burned for 18 and a half years, I’d remarried and decided I want another child, but I had an classical C-section with three of my pregnancy and Id had premature birth is my chance of getting pregnant again is good or can I get a vitro fertilization
December 5th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
Marilyn Middleton – Your chances of getting pregnant again after tubal reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal center are 1 in 3 based on your age and method of tubal ligation.
December 30th, 2011 at 11:45 pm
I had my tubes tied, clipped, and burned about 5 1/2 years ago and I want it reversed. Would that be possible??
December 31st, 2011 at 12:27 am
Mardena – Yes, that will be possible.