Tubal Ligation Reversal - 6 Questions Answered
By Sandra Wilson | October 30, 2008
Looking to get answers to your questions about tubal ligation reversal surgery? I hope you will find some of your answers here. In this article we address a few of the questions most commonly raised about the reversal of tubal ligation surgery and what has to be done before it. In some cases we have pointed out resources for your further consideration.
1) What does the surgeon need before scheduling surgery? This could depend upon the surgeon you select but he will want to see the operative report from your tubal ligation surgery. It provides the information about the type of surgery done and length of tubes left. It lets him know if the reversal can even be attempted. In addition, you will need some lab work done checking out various factors. If you are lucky, your surgeon will have a website like http://www.tubal-reversal.net where you can see what needs to be done before surgery.
2) Does the above preparation work cost? The answer to this will vary according to the surgeon you choose. You may get tired of that answer. If you pick the correct tubal reversal doctor, the review of your records will not cost you anything. The cost of the lab work might be included if you are using a local doctor and the lab work is included in the price. Even then most likely it will be extra. If you choose an out of town surgeon, then you will most likely get the lab work done locally and have to pay for it. According to some accounts this should be less than $200.
3) Can I get tubal ligation reversal done with one tube? Yes. You need only one tube to get pregnant. If there is no other reason it can't be repaired, then go for it if you wish. Check out the tubal reversal board at http://forums.tubal-reversal.net/ for other ladies who have done it with one tube.
4) I already have a c-section scar. Can the incision be made there? Bring this up with the surgeon you choose. With a surgeon who has the skill and vast experience of Dr. Gary Berger, the answer is yes.
5) Will my weight be a problem? Unfortunately, weight gain is a potential side effect of your previous surgery which you can learn if you look up post tubal ligation syndrome. However the weight gain was brought about, it does affect your tubal ligation reversal surgery. Quite simply, it is safer to undergo anesthesia and surgery if you have a BMI (body mass index) below 35. Some of the potential concerns include increased risk of wound infection, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary problems. There is a BMI calculator here: http://www.tubal-reversal.net/body-mass-index-bmi.php. Unfortunately, you will find some surgeons will simply charge more if you have a higher BMI. Not Dr. Gary Berger.
6) Why do some doctors suture two layers and some three layers? The fallopian tube is made up of three layers. You should ask your doctor how many layers he sutures. If he says only the outer, then you should look for another doctor. The outer layer, the serosa, is only a thin lining and not strong enough to hold the two pieces of the tubes together by itself to heal correctly. It can help though. If he says three, you might want to rethink your surgeon as well. The inner most layer is the endothelium which has cilia that moves the egg from ovary to uterus. Suturing here increases the risk of scaring. Do you want scars where working cilia should be? The middle layer, however, is muscle and connective tissue that can hold everything together till it all heals.
Hopefully this set of questions and answers will help you with making your decision about a tubal ligation reversal. Check out the resources given above and our resources listed below to ask more questions.
Topics: Pregnancy |
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