Tubal Reversal Microsurgery

Tubal Ligation Reversal Microsurgery by Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger performing tubal ligation reversal microsurgery.

Gary S. Berger, M.D.

Tubal ligation does not have to be permanent

Tubal ligation is considered to be a permanent method of female sterilization and most women who undergo tubal ligation are told that it is irreversible. In most cases, however, sterilization reversal is possible with tubal microsurgery.

Tubal reversal microsurgery technique

I have developed and refined a microsurgical technique for tubal ligation reversal that has been shown on The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel in The Operation series. This procedure takes one hour and has low cost, quick recovery, and a high pregnancy rate. You can watch my tubal reversal procedure step-by-step on videotape or DVD.

In 1976, since there was no training program in the United States in tubal ligation reversal microsurgery techniques, I went to Belgium and England to train. Since returning to the U.S., I have continued to improve the tubal microsurgery techniques I learned there in order to simplify reversal of tubal ligation and make it affordable.

I use microsurgery techniques throughout the operation, beginning with a small incision just above and parallel to the pubic bone. To minimize trauma to the abdominal muscles, I avoid the use of self-retaining retractors. To minimize pain, I apply local anesthesia to the skin, muscles, and connective tissues. These steps minimize tissue injury, bleeding, post-operative pain, and result in rapid patient recovery after the tubal ligation reversal. Most patients return to their hotel or home within 2 hours after their tubal reversal.

After tubal ligation reversal surgery

Although any operation carries some risk, with these careful and precise microsurgical and anesthesia procedures the post-operative complication rate after outpatient tubal ligation reversal microsurgery is less than 0.1 percent. The success rate for reopening the tubes is over 90 percent, and two-thirds of patients become pregnant by one year after the procedure.

Patients are typically discharged from the facility within two hours after the surgery and can expect to resume normal activities within 5 to 10 days. This is better for patients than the standard approach to tubal ligation reversal that results in hospitalization for several days, a recovery period of four to six weeks, and unnecessary hospital costs.