Microsurgical reversal of tubal sterilization

Asia Oceania J Obstet Gynaecol. 1986 Dec;12(4):457-63. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.1986.tb00218.x.

Abstract

PIP: Microsurgical reversal of tubal sterilization was performed on 360 women at Seoul National University Hospital from 1980-1985. The patients were rigorously selected, using several techniques including laparoscopy, hysterosalpingography and postcoital tests. Reasons for requesting surgery were loss of a child by 69%, desire for a son by 18% and remarriage by 15%. Surgical technique involved 6x magnification, a 2-layer polyglycolic acid suture, atraumatic technique, saline irrigation, a splint of 2-0 monofilament nylon, ip hydrocortisone and prophylactic antibiotics. The postoperative tubal patency rate was 88.3%. Of 250 women followed up, 60.4% achieved 181 pregnancies. The mean interval was 8.9 months. The interval to pregnancy was shortest in those who had tubal ligation and longest in those ligated at cesarean section. The highest success rate was in isthmic-isthmic anastomoses compared to other sites, and in women who had laparoscopic ring sterilization and much lower in cases of postpartum or cesarean tubal ligation. Ectopic pregnancy occurred in 5.2%, in most cases associated with laparoscopic cautery. The results overall were better than those expected with conventional surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Microsurgery*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sterilization Reversal*
  • Sterilization, Tubal*