QuestionI had my tubes tied 6/15/04 and on my operation reports it states that the right fallopian tube was grasped in the isthmic region, burned for a 2 1/2cm segment and the central portion of the burnt tube was cut. Through and through burn was noted and for good measure the stump were refulgurated. I would like to know if this procedure can be reversed?
AnswerDear Emilee,
First, I will tell you that the best person to ask about this is the doctor who performed the tubal ligation.
I can tell you what I THINK about the situation and why... based on this limited information, my feeling is that the potential is there for it to be reversed. This is why - the Fallopian tubes are usually around 10 cm long. The ideal candidate for tubal ligation reversal is a woman who has nearly equal diameter of the remaining ends of the tubal sections, and whose tubes are at least 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long following reversal of the tubal ligation.
It sounds as if they destroyed only 1 inch (2 1/2 cm) of tube in your tubal ligation. Now, they would have to see how equal in diameter the ends are and how much actual tube would be left following repair, but I would say it may be a possibility since it was done at the isthmus portion (narrow portion near the uterus). This procedure, as described by you, sounds like it was what they call a monopolar tubal coagulation. From the literature I've seen, these types of tubal ligations have a pregnancy rate after reversal of about 40-50%. So you would definitely have to weigh the pros and cons of this with the potential for pregnancy vs. the possibility of in vitro success as another alternative.
I hope I've helped you with this information, but as I said, your doctor is truly the best one to ask about the specifics of your potential for a successful reversal. I wish you good luck!
Brenda
