Verified By Apollo Gynecologist January 22, 2022
124264Tubectomy, commonly called tubal sterilization, is a permanent contraception procedure for women. It is a surgical procedure that prevents the egg produced by the ovary from reaching the uterus by obstructing the fallopian tubes.
Tubectomy is recommended when a female does not want to have children in the future.
The doctor will carefully look into the following:
Tubectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the fallopian tubes and clipping or tying them together to prevent the egg from passing into the uterus.
Around the umblicus, the surgeon will make a few tiny incisions. A laparoscope (a telescopic instrument) is introduced into one of the incisions on the skin into the operative region.
The tip of the laparoscope has a small camera that relays images to a monitor, enabling the surgeon to view the internal structures. The surgeon then uses specialized equipment to plug the tubes by slicing segments of them or sealing them with clips.
Tubectomy is mostly performed using laparoscopic methods since it leaves minimum scarring and allows the patient to leave hospital the same day of the procedure. The various types of approaches to conduct tubectomy are:
The fallopian tubes are sealed in one of 2 ways:
Patients are mostly asked to go home the same day after a tubectomy. The following side-effects may be expected:
It is necessary to have frequent check-ups with the surgeon until recovery is complete. The following post-procedural guidelines are usually recommended for patients on discharge:
Patients will be able to resume their routine within a few days post-surgery. However, it is vital to learn when to start the normal activities from trusted health care experts such as gynecologists from Apollo Hospitals.
In the following circumstances, it is recommended to see your Apollo doctor:
After tubectomy, most patients leave the hospital premises the same day unless the doctor detects other complications. The stitches are usually removed seven to ten days after surgery, and follow-up appointments need to be booked after six weeks to check for further complications.
Tubectomy | Vasectomy |
Process to sterilise women by cutting, clipping or tying fallopian tubes to prevent eggs reaching the uterus. | Process to sterilise men by cutting and tying vasa deferentia of the males to prevent sperms reaching the semen. |
It usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes and has nearly 100% success rate. | It takes around 15 to 20 minutes and has a 99% success rate. |
Risks of infection, bleeding and damage to other organs are more. | The risks of infection and bleeding are very low. |
Relatively a complex process with more risks. | Simple and safe procedure with less risks. |
It is a non-reversible process | It is a reversible process |
Women who require permanent birth control can opt for this procedure.
Doctors perform specific tests on the patients to confirm that no complications may follow the procedure. Those who have a history of abdominal surgery, lung problems, allergy to anaesthesia, or heart problems may not be good candidates for tubectomy.
Like any other medical procedure, tubectomy too has several complications, including:
Tubectomy is a nearly irreversible birth control option. Surgeries have been carried out in different parts of the world, reporting successful reversal. But studies show that the rate of pregnancy post-reversal is very low, and usually there is no guaranteed reversal for tubectomy.
Tubectomy or tubal ligation is a permanent birth control option with highly effective results. Typically, it is a safe procedure, but the chances of complications, including infections, bleeding and organ damage, cannot be neglected. It is a good option for women looking for permanent birth control options. But the decision has to be taken carefully due to its nature of irreversibility.
In tubectomy, a portion of a woman’s fallopian tube is cut, tied or clipped to prevent egg from reaching the uterus.
Yes. Tubectomy only stops the egg from fertilising, it does not alter the ovulation process. So, ovulation continues as normal and the endometrium will be ready to receive the fertilised egg. Since the egg cannot reach the uterus, the endometrium will break and fall out of the vagina.
There is no strict age limit to get the tubectomy done. Any adult woman who has no history of abdominal surgeries, heart issues and are in need of permanent birth control may opt for a tubectomy.
Tubectomy, though a less-invasive procedure, does involve making incisions on the skin. Incisions and stitches will definitely hurt but not as much as open surgery. Also, the pain will recede in a week or two.
No. There is no scientific reason that may result in weight gain since there are no hormonal or appetite changes involved in the procedure.
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July 7, 2023