Tubectomy (Tubal Ligation) - Surgery, Procedure, Types & Recovery

Tubectomy (Tubal Ligation) – Surgery, Procedure, Types & Recovery

What is Tubectomy?

Tubectomy, 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.

Indication for Tubectomy:

Tubectomy is recommended when a female does not want to have children in the future.

The doctor will carefully look into the following:

The necessity to opt for tubectomy as an option
Knowing if this is the best option that suits the individual
The procedure’s complications, side effects and risks
Getting to know if there are other options to fulfil the individual’s need.

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Procedure and Techniques:

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.

What are the types of tubectomy?

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:

Laparoscopy: It is a minimally invasive technique to conduct diagnosis or treatment of various diseases in the pelvic region.
Laparotomy: It refers to conducting tubectomy while C-section is carried out.
Micro laparoscopy: This is same as laparoscopy but uses instruments that are smaller in size.
Mini-laparotomy: This is a tubal ligation technique similar to laparotomy but is less invasive than a normal laparotomy.
Hysteroscopy: It is a vaginal approach of conducting diagnosis or treatment of issues in the pelvic organs.

The fallopian tubes are sealed in one of 2 ways:

With an electric current, which makes the tube clot (electrocoagulation)
With a clip or band which is placed over the tubes. In certain cases, a device will be used to separate tubes from the ovaries and the uterus and, the tubes will be removed

Post Operative Care to be taken After Tubectomy

Patients are mostly asked to go home the same day after a tubectomy. The following side-effects may be expected:

Feeling nausea and pain for 4-8 hours post-surgery
Fatigue and drowsiness
Abdominal cramps and discomfort for a few days

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:

Avoid strenuous exercises and activities for a week
Avoid having sexual intercourse for a week post-surgery
Continue the consumption of pain relievers until wholly relieved from the discomfort of the sutures.

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:

High fever
Itching on the incisions
Bleeding in the sutured areas
Fainting or drowsiness accompanied by high temperature.

What is the tubectomy recovery time?

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.

What is the difference between tubectomy and vasectomy?

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

Who is eligible and not eligible for Tubectomy?

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.

Side Effects of Tubectomy.

Like any other medical procedure, tubectomy too has several complications, including:

Allergy: Some people may be allergic to anaesthesia or other drugs administered during the procedure, causing allergic reactions.
Bleeding: Sometimes, the surgical instruments cause injuries which may lead to excessive bleeding.
Infection: The incision site may get infected if it is not correctly taken care.
Ectopic Pregnancy: Tubectomy is a permanent birth control option. But the chances of an ectopic pregnancy cannot be avoided. Ectopic pregnancy is the fertilisation of eggs and sperm outside the uterus. If it remains undetected at an early stage, it can become life-threatening.

Is there any reversal of tubectomy?

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.

Conclusion

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.

FAQ’s

Which part is removed in tubectomy?

In tubectomy, a portion of a woman’s fallopian tube is cut, tied or clipped to prevent egg from reaching the uterus.

Do we get periods after tubectomy?

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.

At what age can you get your tubes tied?

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.

Does tubectomy hurt?

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.