If you have been considering a tubal ligation reversal but have questions, you have found the right place for answers.
In this particular article, we will address a couple questions about the preparation for the surgery and about what is done in the surgery itself.
What do I need to give the surgeon before surgery? You will find that the tubal reversal doctor will want to review your tubal ligation operation records.
He needs to know the method of sterilization and what length of tubes were left.
This helps him know how to proceed.
If that cannot be provided, then your surgeon may want to do an exploratory look before actually starting the surgery.
In addition, you will need some blood work done no longer than about 90 days before the surgery, though the closer it is to the actual operation day, the better.
This lab work will basically check on your health.
What's that going to cost? Maybe nothing if you can get your health insurance to pay for it.
You will need to find out from the specific surgeon you choose if that lab work is part of the fee you are paying him.
Be specific and get it in writing if he says it is included.
But if you must pay it yourself, it should be under $200, maybe even less.
It will depend upon where you are.
I have only one tube left.
Should I even try? It depends upon what a records review shows about that one tube.
But if it can be repaired, then certainly go ahead with the surgery.
Getting pregnant might take a little longer as you will have to wait for that side's turn, but it can and does happen.
I have had a previous c-section.
Can the incision be made there? Yes, it can.
You should, however, know just how invasive the surgery is when done by the doctor you choose.
Ask him how big an incision he makes will be.
I'd also want to know just how experienced he is at this surgery.
Presumably, a very experienced tubal reversal doctor will make only as big an incision as necessary.
You will want one that makes the smallest incision possible to do the work rather than one that just cuts you wide open, so to speak.
Is my weight going to be a problem? For your own safety during the surgery and during the recovery after wards, you will want to have a BMI of less than 35.
So if you are overweight or obese, then, yes, your weight will be a problem.
It can lead to pulmonary problems among others as well as increased risk of infection.
However, you may find a surgeon who will do the surgery for more money.
What is all this about suturing two or three layers? It has to do with the three layers of the fallopian tubes.
The innermost layer has cilia that move the egg along to the uterus.
If stitches are made in it to hold your tubes together, there is going to be scarring.
Do you have any scars on your skin where you have no feeling? I do.
Do you want that in the most important layer in your tubes? However, the middle layer is made up of muscle and connective tissue.
This is the layer that is the strongest to hold the tubes together and is the most important in allowing the two pieces to heal back together.
The outer layer is a thin covering and is stitched as well.
So basically, you will want a surgeon who sutures the two outer layers during your tubal ligation reversal surgery.