Before Your Tubal Reversal

Day of Surgery After Surgery Pregnancy

What to Expect Before, During, and After Tubal Reversal Surgery

These pages will help you know what to expect when you come to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for your reversal surgery.

Surgical Technologists at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center are specially trained in tubal ligation reversal surgery.

Kathy Sronce, ST
Lead Surgical Technician

After scheduling your tubal reversal

When your tubal reversal has been scheduled, download The Tubal Reversal Surgery Checklist. Going through the checklist will ensure your successful preparation for tubal reversal by Dr. Berger.

Pre-op lab test results are due in our office at least 3 weeks prior to your surgery date. Testing should be performed within 3-5 days of scheduling surgery, but not more than 90 days prior to the surgery date. These tests are for CBC, HIV-1 antibody, Hepatitis B surface antigen, and Hepatitis C antibody.

Make reservations at the Residence Inn Chapel Hill (special rate for Dr. Berger's patients). You will need to decide who will be the responsible adult that accompanies you and make arrangements for any dependants since children are not permitted to wait in the center during surgery hours.

Starting 3 weeks prior to surgery, avoid using anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin), or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve). Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an acceptable over-the-counter pain medication during the 3 weeks preceding your surgery. Avoid herbal supplements (or herbal teas) and diet pills.

One of our anesthesia staff will contact you for your pre-anesthesia telephone consultation.

Beginning three days prior to your surgery, please wash your entire abdominal area with HIBICLENS® soap once a day. HIBICLENS® is an antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleanser possessing bactericidal properties that may be purchased at a drugstore. If you are having a screening laparoscopy, please wash in and around your belly button with HIBICLENS® soap as well.

When you leave for Chapel Hill

The day before your surgery you will need to be in Chapel Hill for your preoperative consultation. Bring (or pick up when in Chapel Hill) the following: Loose clothing, warm socks, bottle of Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin), thermometer, and non-carbonated clear liquids for after surgery (such as tea, water, apple juice, white grape juice, lemonade without pulp) and jello.

Consultation

"You made our miracle and our dreams come true and we just can't thank you enough for it. We thank the staff at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal for making our experience one that we will never forget. They are truly special people." Read More

You will meet with Dr. Berger the day prior to surgery. During the consultation, you will review and sign consent forms as well as discuss risks of surgery. A nurse will obtain your height and weight to evaluate your BMI (body mass index) status. We will perform a vaginal ultrasound examination to assess the uterus and ovaries for any condition that might affect your fertility. During your consultation, you will review and sign informed consent forms after discussing the benefits, risks, and alternatives to surgery as well as any remaining questions that you may have. You will also meet with one of the anesthesia staff to discuss your anesthesia.

The night before surgery

Take Zantac 150 mg before going to bed. Do not eat anything after 10 pm. You may continue to have clear, non-carbonated liquids (water, apple juice, lemonade (without pulp), tea (no herbal teas before surgery), or white grape juice until two hours before surgery. Please call the nurse on call before 8 pm the night before surgery if you have any questions about acceptable clear liquids.

On the morning of surgery

You should shower and use HIBICLENS® soap around your entire abdominal area (if you are having a screening laparoscopy please wash in and around your belly button with HIBICLENS® soap as well) and take Zantac 150 mg with a sip of water one hour before your scheduled arrival time. Do not shave the pubic hair. If shaving is necessary, it will be done at your consultation prior to surgery. Do not eat or drink on the morning of surgery! Do not smoke. Do not chew gum or any type of mint or candy as this can increase gastric secretions. Brush your teeth but do not swallow water. Do not wear lotion, perfume, or make-up. Before arrival to the surgical center please remove contact lenses and all jewelry, body piercings, and metal hairpins or clips. Use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon if you are having any menstrual flow.

Unless instructed otherwise, please do not plan to arrive at the Surgical Center prior to 7 AM. A responsible adult (18 or older) must accompany you to the Surgical Center on the day of surgery and must remain with you during your recovery. Please make prior childcare arrangements since children are not allowed in the Surgical Center on the day of surgery. The adult who accompanies you will need to be present during your post-op care in order to review discharge instructions and therefore, will not be able to attend to children. Since your responsible adult will not be able to leave the facility while you are here, have him or her bring a snack and reading materials to have during their wait.

Day of Your Tubal Reversal Surgery