Tubal Ligation - Tubal Ligation Methods

Tubal Ligation Methods

Bipolar Coagulation The most popular method of laparoscopic female sterilization, this method uses electrical current to cauterize sections of the fallopian tube. Depending on the number of sites coagulated, tube damage is typically only 2 or 3 centimeters in length and pregnancy rates after reversing this procedure are about 70%.

Fimbriectomy By removing a portion of the fallopia n tube closest to the ovary, fimbriectomy eliminates the ovary’s ability to capture eggs and transfer them to the ovary. Reversing this procedure involves opening the remaining fallopian tube and folding out the inner tubal lining so that egg capture is again possible. This procedure has the lowest success rates and repair is therefore not recommended. In vitro fertilization is usually the preferred treatment in these cases.

Irving Procedure This procedure calls for placing two ligatures (sutures) around the fallopian tube and removing the segment of tubing between the ligatures. Then to complete the procedure, the ends of the fallopian tubes are connected to the back of the uterus and the connective tissue respectively. Fortunately, this procedure usually leaves two healthy fallopian tube sections and a pregnancy rate of around 70% on average.

Monopolar Coagulation Less common than Bipolar Coagulation, Monopolar Coagulation uses electrical current to cauterize the tube together, but also allows radiating current to further damage the tubes as it spreads from the coagulation site. Many cases involve a cutting of the tubes after the procedure. Due to the fallopian tube damage from this procedure, pregnancy rates drop to approximately 45%. However if tubal length is still greater than 5 centimeters, then a 70% pregnancy success rate can be achieved.

Tubal Clip The tubal clip or Hulka Clip technique involves the application of a permanent clip onto the fallopian tube. Once applied and fastened, the clip disallows transference of eggs to the ovary. Reversal and pregnancy success is best with this procedure and can be as high as 85%.

Tubal Ring The silastic band or tubal ring method involves a doubling over of the fallopian tubes and application of a silastic band to the tube. Pregnancy success rates can also be very high with this method if only a small portion of the tube is damaged by the rings.

Pomeroy Tubal Ligation In this method of tubal ligation, a loop of tube is “strangled” with a suture. Usually, the loop is cut and the ends cauterized or “burned“. This type of tubal ligation is often referred to as cut, tied, and burned. These are usually very good for reversal. The fact that the ends are burned doesn’t matter because that part is going to be lost anyway during the tubal reversal.

Essure Tubal Ligation In this method of tubal ligation, two small metal and fiber coils are placed in the fallopian tubes. After insertion, scar tissue forms around the coils, blocking off the fallopian tubes and preventing sperm from reaching the egg.

Adiana Tubal Ligation In this method of tubal ligation, two small silicone pieces that are placed in the fallopian tubes. During the procedure, your health care provider heats a small portion of each fallopian tube and then inserts a tiny piece of silicone into each tube. After the procedure, scar tissue forms around the silicone inserts, blocking off the fallopian tubes and preventing sperm from reaching the egg.