Sterilization Reversal Essentials

Success, Procedure, Recovery, Cost, Insurance, Risks, and Alternatives

tubal reversal administrator Julia Smith RN

Julia Smith, RN
Nurse Administrator

Many people contact Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center seeking information about tubal reversal surgery. Their most frequent questions are about success rates, the procedure and recovery, costs and insurance, risks, and alternatives. This summary provides answers to these questions about reversal surgery.

Success rates

Dr. Berger has the most experience of any reproductive surgeon, having performed over 7000 outpatient tubal ligation reversal procedures. In addition, Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is the only facility that maintains a patient data base with long term follow-up allowing statistical analysis and reporting of success rates after tubal reversal surgery.

The success of tubal reversal surgery depends on several factors including a woman's age, the type of sterilization performed, and the tubal lengths remaining that can be repaired. One way to determine your probable outcome is by reviewing your tubal ligation operative report. You can obtain a copy of your operative report from the doctor who performed the surgery or from the medical records department of the hospital or surgical facility where it was done. When you send us this information, Dr. Berger will review your operative report at no charge and we will contact you regarding possible outcomes for you following tubal reversal. You can fax your records to us at (919) 967-8637. When faxing your records, it is important to include your contact information (telephone number and e-mail address) so we can get back in touch with you. If you are unable to obtain your operative report, Dr. Berger can proceed without this information or perform a screening laparoscopy to assess the condition of your tubes. Dr. Berger is able to repair the tubes in most cases, including those where the tubes have been coagulated or burned.

Procedure and recovery

Most of our patients come from out-of-state or abroad. A physician referral is not necessary to come here for tubal reversal surgery. You will be in Chapel Hill for 2 to 3 days. It is required that patients stay the night prior to surgery and the night of surgery at the Sheraton Hotel, Chapel Hill. Most patients arrive the day prior to surgery for their consultation with Dr. Berger and have their tubal reversal the following morning. On the morning after surgery, a post-operative visit will be performed at the hotel, following which patients can return home.

Most patients have their required pre-operative blood tests ordered by their local physician and have the results faxed to our office at least 3 weeks prior to their scheduled surgery date. The sterilization reversal takes approximately 1 hour to perform as an outpatient procedure. There is no overnight hospital stay required! A board certified anesthesiologist will administer a general anesthesia and ensure your safety during the entire procedure. A small incision (approximately 3" long) is made just above and parallel to the pubic bone. This scar is usually not visible - and is hidden within the pubic hair - within a month or so of the surgery. Dr. Berger uses microsurgical techniques and local anesthesia during the entire procedure to minimize post-operative pain. The recovery room period is approximately the same length of time as the surgery. Although everyone recovers at a different rate, patients generally return to work in five days and are back to most of their normal activities within 2 weeks. Although Dr. Berger recommends waiting until after your first period following surgery to begin trying to conceive, you can resume intercourse as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.

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Special Report

Answers to seven important questions to find out if tubal reversal is right for you.

Call 919 968-4656 to speak with a Tubal Reversal Nurse.

Call (919) 968-4656 To Speak With a Tubal Reversal Nurse

109 Conner Drive Suite 2200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 968-4656

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