Laparoscopic Surgery for Tubal Ligation and Bilateral Salpingectomy: What to Expect

Opportunistic Bilateral Salpingectomy - Does it Help Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer?

Laparoscopic Surgery for Tubal Ligation and Bilateral Salpingectomy: What to Expect

What is Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation or Bilateral salpingectomy?

The fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive tract. They are paired structures through which an egg (ovum) travels from ovary to uterus. Fertilisation of an egg by sperm usually occurs within the tube before implantation in the lining of the uterus.

Tubal Ligation is a form of permanent contraception. It involves a laparoscopic surgery that aims to block both fallopian tubes, thereby preventing fertilisation of the egg by sperm.

Bilateral salpingectomy is another form of permanent contraception. It is the surgical removal of both fallopian tubes. It is an alternative to tying or blocking the tube (tubal ligation). Removing the fallopian tubes may also reduce future risk of ovarian cancer, as the majority of ovarian cancers in fact arise from the fallopian tubes. 

For both procedures, a gynaecologist first conducts a laparoscopy using what is known as a laparoscope, a slender tube that is inserted into the patient’s abdomen, usually through a small cut (5-10mm) in the belly button. It is fitted with a light source and a video camera to allow the surgeon to look at the abdominal and pelvic organs through a video monitor.

After your fallopian tubes are located, tubal ligation (clipped, cut or sealed) or removal (salpingectomy) can then be performed.  Both work by blocking the egg from being fertilised by sperm and are irreversible.

 

Opportunistic Bilateral Salpingectomy - Does it Help Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer?

Benefits of Using Laparoscopic Surgery for Sterilisation

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. It uses small incisions, allowing your body to recover and heal more quickly. Here are some benefits of using laparoscopic surgery for tubal ligation:

  • Less scarring
  • Less pain after surgery
  • Less risk of infection
  • Less risk of bleeding
  • Usually a day case – you return home the same day as your surgery

 

What Are The Side Effects

Although laparoscopic tubal sterilisation is a safe and minimally invasive procedure, all procedures have associated risks. Common side effects after general anaesthetic and laparoscopic surgery may include:

  • Nausea 
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Shoulder and back pain
  • Pain – usually managed by over the counter or prescribed pain killers

You can typically expect a complete recovery after 1 week.

 

How You Can Prepare

Before your surgery, it is important that you have obtained a comprehensive understanding of what it means to have the procedure, discussed its success rates and alternative contraceptive options. These are both irreversible procedures that achieve permanent contraception. Your doctor and gynaecologist are there to answer your questions so you can proceed with a clear understanding of what to expect. 

Your gynaecologist will also go through the procedure with you in detail and also discuss the risks and what to expect after surgery. 

Jewellery and Clothes

Avoid wearing any jewellery, and pick an outfit you can easily change in and out of since you will be wearing a hospital gown for the surgery. If you wear contact lenses, take them out as well.

Food Consumption 

You should consult your specialist gynaecologist on more information regarding food and water consumption, ie. when to start fasting prior to the general anaesthetic and surgery. 

Medication 

If you take any prescribed medication, it is vital to inform your doctor so they can give you instructions on whether you may take them on the day of the surgery or not. If you are on any blood thinning medications, please let your doctor know. 

 

Does Tubal Ligation Affect Your Period?

There is no change to the ovaries and hormonal system in charge of regulating your menstrual cycle. Tubal ligation or salpingectomy have no impact on your menstrual cycle or hormonal function, the procedures only affect the continuity of your fallopian tubes. 

 

Who should be performing your Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopy should be performed by specialist gynaecologists who have completed additional training in minimally invasive gynaecology surgery. If you have any questions or inquiries about laparoscopic tubal ligation or salpingectomy, you can contact us and book for a consultation.



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