Sterilization Reversal Surgery - What Is Involved? by Sandra Wilson

When it comes to preventing unwanted births, there are many methods that can be used. However today the one most commonly undertaken by women across the globe is female sterilization. This is a very effective method that is also very convenient. Although large numbers of women choose to be sterilized around 5 to 10% of them will then regret they made this decision at a later date. For these women there is the opportunity to use the procedure of sterilization reversal if they wish.

This sterilization reversal operation is a bit more complicated than the original procedure. It is normal for the fallopian tubes to be cut, clipped, banded or burned when sterilization is undergone. There are also a couple of other options for sterilization which are much more involved. However, if you should wish to have another child and conceive it naturally, the fallopian tubes will need to be restored to their original state. The only way that this can be done is by the surgeon removing the blocked part of the fallopian tubes and then, using sutures, join the unblocked ends of the tubes together again.

In order to perform the procedure to reverse the original sterilization the surgeon needs to make a small incision in the woman's stomach. He will work his way down layer by layer gently separating the muscles from each other rather than cutting through them. Upon reaching the fallopian tubes, he will remove the tubal blockage and any mechanical devices used in the original sterilization. Once the tubes are determined to be clear and then sutured together again, the surgeon will work his way back out suturing where needed till he gets to the final closure.

The success of the sterilization reversal procedure will be dependent on a number of different factors that will then ensure patient satisfaction. The first of these factors is the woman's age. As there is little that can be done about that, we will move on to other factors. Just realize that older women have a harder time conceiving regardless of whether or not they have previously been sterilized and then gone through sterilization reversal.

Another most important factor in a favorable outcome is how much viable fallopian tube is left following both procedures. If a woman has at least 2.5 cm of viable fallopian tubes remaining, she has a 60 to 85% chance of conceiving following the reversal procedure being carried out.

Yet another consideration, which will affect the success of the sterilization reversal operation, is what level of skill the surgeon has who is carrying out the procedure. The more successful procedures are those which are carried out by surgeons who specialize in this particular operation. Do you want a surgeon who has performed this operation once or twice a year at best or one who does several each week and has thousands of surgeries behind him?

The final factor that a woman has to take into consideration if she is thinking of undergoing the procedure of sterilization reversal is how much it costs. On average this procedure costs $8,000 to $9,000. The costs must be made by the woman herself as it will not be something that your medical or health insurance usually covers, although some of the blood work prior to the operation may be.

Copyright 2009 Sandra Wilson

About The Author

In order to achieve high patient satisfaction from a sterilization reversal seek out a surgeon from Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center where they specialize in tubal surgery and reversals. Check out Dr. Berger's credentials at http://www.tubal-reversal.net/ and learn about the great experience you can have.