Anatomy Tubal Ligation Tubal Ligation

Anatomy

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is performed in women who want to prevent future pregnancies. It is frequently chosen by women who do not want more children, but who are still sexually active and potentially fertile, and want to be free of the limitations of other types of birth control. Women who should not become pregnant for health concerns or other reasons may also choose this birth control method (Tubal Ligation, 2012).

A tubal ligation is a type of permanent birth control. During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked to permanently prevent pregnancy. A tubal ligation disrupts the movement of the egg to the uterus for fertilization and blocks sperm from travelling up the fallopian tubes to the egg. A tubal ligation doesn't affect your menstrual cycle. A tubal ligation can be done at any time, including after childbirth or in combination with another abdominal surgical procedure, such as a C-section. it's possible to reverse a tubal ligation, but reversal requires major surgery and isn't always effective (Tubal Ligation, 2011)

There are several diverse ways of closing the fallopian tubes. These include clipping or banding them shut, cutting and stitching them or burning them closed. A tubal ligation can be done in any of the following ways:

"Laparoscopy involves inserting a viewing instrument and surgical tools through small incisions made in the abdomen.

Mini-laparotomy ("mini-lap") is done through an incision that is less than 2 in. (5 cm) long.

Postpartum tubal ligation is usually done as a mini-laparotomy after childbirth. The fallopian tubes are higher in the abdomen right after pregnancy, so the incision is made below the belly button (navel). The procedure is often done within 24 to 36 hours after the baby is delivered" (Tubal Ligation and Tubal Implants, 2012).

An open tubal ligation or laparotomy is done by way of a larger cut in the abdomen. This procedure may be suggested if has had other abdominal surgery, such as a caesarean section or have had pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, because these conditions frequently cause scarring or adhesion of tissue and organs in the abdomen. Scarring or adhesions can make one of the other types of tubal ligation more complicated and risky. Laparoscopy is generally done with a general anesthetic. Laparotomy or mini-laparotomy can be done using general anesthesia or a regional anesthetic, also known as an epidural. Undoing a tubal ligation is possible, but it is not highly successful. This is why tubal ligation is measured a permanent method of birth control, and not something that should be entered into lightly (Tubal Ligation and Tubal Implants, 2012).