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Medical Author:

Avi J Sklar, MD, FACOG, FACS, FRCSC

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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While you are under anesthesia, one or two small incisions (cuts) are made in the abdomen (usually near the navel), and a device similar to a small telescope on a flexible tube (called a laparoscope) is inserted.

Using instruments that are inserted through the laparoscope, the tubes (Fallopian tubes) are coagulated (burned), sealed shut with cautery, or a small clip is placed on the tube. The skin incision is then closed with a few stitches. You are usually feeling well enough to go home from the outpatient surgery center in a few hours.

Your health care professional may prescribe pain medications to help you manage the pain, if any.

Most women return to normal activities, including work, in a few days, although you may be advised not to exercise for several days. You may resume sexual intercourse when you feel ready.

Tubal ligation can also be performed immediately after childbirth through a small incision near the navel or during a Cesarean delivery.

Currently, laparoscopy (bipolar laparoscopy, Falope ring, Filshie clip) is the most popular method of female sterilization in nonpregnant women. Periumbilical minilaparotomy (Pomeroy, Parkland) is the most common procedure right after childbirth.

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