Tubal Ligation - Fimbriectomy

Tubal Reversal is Possible after Fimbriectomy

Fimbriectomy tubal ligation

Fimbriectomy

Final Result

Fimbriectomy tubal ligation has a 30-40% pregnancy rate after tubal reversal.

Tubal ligation by fimbriectomy involves removing a portion (usually up to one-third) of the fallopian tube closest to the ovary. With microsurgical techniques, the end of the remaining fallopian tube can be opened and the inner tubal lining gently folded outward over the cuff to improve the chances of egg capture. This tubal reversal procedure is called microsurgical salpingostomy.

Reversing Fimbriectomy tubal ligation

It is generally thought that tubal reversal cannot be successful following a fimbriectomy because of the loss of the important egg-capturing fimbria. Fortunately, the inner lining of the remaining tube also has the cilia that help transport the egg into and down the tube once it has been reopened. Cilia are particularly abundant in the ampullary portion of the fallopian tube. The length of the remaining tube and presence or absence of its ampullary segment can be determined by x-ray (hysterosalpingogram). This is recommended prior to undergoing a salpingostomy procedure. The pregnancy rate after fimbriectomy tubal reversal is 30-40%.

Tubal ligation procedures

Normal fallopian tube anatomy and other tubal ligation procedures described in the following pages are:

Tubal Ligation Reversal The Operation

Acknowledgement and reproduction of images

The tubal ligation illustrations on our website were prepared by Michelle V. Kapa, MFA of Raleigh, NC (mvkmako@nc.rr.com) based on photographs taken by Dr. Berger. Copyright© 2002 by Gary S. Berger, M.D., Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. All rights reserved. Permission to reproduce these images on other websites may be obtained by contacting Dr. Berger.