Method Of Tubal Ligation Reversal

Tubal Ligation Reversal Method By Dr. Pabon

The Tubal Ligation Reversal Method by Dr. Pabon is a true microsurgical procedure.

 

1. After sedation and general anesthesia by the anesthesiologist, the procedure will usually begin with Dr. Pabon making a small “bikini” incision about one inch above the pubic bone.

2. A small suture is placed on the top of the uterus that is used to elevate the womb so the fallopian tubes can be easily centered for the microscope view.  Great care is taken to keep all tissues moist throughout the procedure.

Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal 1

 

3. Dr. Pabon identifies the fallopian tubes and determines where they are blocked. The scarred and blocked part of the tubes is then removed and small bleeding points are controlled using a micro-bipolar electrical instrument. The open tubes are checked for patency using a micro-lacrimal probe, saline or a special blue dye. This confirms that the tube is open to the womb and to the fimbrial end.

Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: Developing the opening of the proximal right tube. #1
Developing the opening of the proximal right tube.
Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: The proximal right tube is open. #2
The proximal right tube is open.
Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: Below with micro scissors creating the opening of distal tube. #3
Below with micro scissors creating the opening of distal tube.
Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: On the right with confirmation that the tube is open. #4
On the right with confirmation that the tube is open.
Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: Illustration #5
Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: The right tube is done. #6
The right tube is done.
Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: Suture. #7

4. The open ends of the tube are then brought together with a suture that is the same size as is used to repair coronary arteries in the heart (6-0). This suture is placed just under the open ends in order to bring the open ends closer together and remove tension from the anastomosis. The lumen and muscle walls of the fallopian tube are brought together with four 8-0 or 9-0 sutures. This size of sutures are also used by eye surgeons.

5. Four or more 8-0 or 9-0 sutures are used in this inner layer depending on the size of the tube. Then 8-0 suture is used to bring together the outer layer of the anastomosis.

Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: Scar tissue is dissected to expose the blocked proximal end of the distal tube. #8
Scar tissue is dissected to expose the blocked proximal end of the distal tube.
Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: dissection of the left distal tube demonstrating hydro-disection technique developed for this procedure by Dr. Pabon. #9
This is the dissection of the left distal tube demonstrating hydro-disection technique developed for this procedure by Dr. Pabon.
Method of Tubal Ligation Reversal: dissection to find the blockage #10
dissection to find the blockage.
8-0 suture is used to tent the place where the opening in the distal left tube is about to be made
a very fine 8-0 suture is used to tent the place where the opening in the distal left tube is about to be made
tubal ligation reversal microsurgery illustration #12
Microscopic view of the tubal opening
tubal ligation reversal microsurgery illustration #13
the 8-0 sutures are placed
tubal ligation reversal microsurgery illustration #14
The inner layer is done. All that remains is the final supporting sutures on the outer layer.

6. Local anesthesia is placed on the tubes and in the abdominal incision. The anesthesia team is extremely focused and highly trained in outpatient surgery which usually allows for patient discharge within two hours post-surgery.

Because of the sophistication of our surgical techniques, many of our out of town patients ask if they can leave the Sarasota area the same day of surgery. Although there has never been a serious complication, departure from the city is not advised. It is wise to remain near your surgeon for one or two days in case follow-up is required.  If you insist in driving a long distance, please do stop every 30 minutes to walk around to prevent a possible blood clot.

In the very rare event of a complication, all out- of-town patients should  have an established relationship with an Ob/Gyn specialist. Our program has enjoyed tubal patency rates of over 90%, pregnancy rates over 70%, while having a rate of ectopic or tubal pregnancies less than 2%. In the past, the only surgery related complication for patients has been a rare incision infection.  These incision infections usually respond to oral antibiotics but sometimes the outer part of the incision has to be opened and allowed to heal slowly with dressing changes.

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