Tubal Sterilization

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Tubal Sterilization (cont.)

During the Procedure

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 provider 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.

A new device acts much like tubal sterilization by blocking the fallopian tubes. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a small metallic implant (called the Essure System) that is placed into the fallopian tubes of women who wish to be permanently sterilized. Unlike other currently available tubal sterilization procedures for women, placement of the device does not require an incision or general anesthesia.

During the Essure procedure, your health care provider inserts an obstructive device into each of the 2 fallopian tubes at the time of hysteroscopy. This is done with a special catheter that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus and then into the fallopian tube. The device works by inducing scar tissue to form over the implant, blocking the fallopian tube and preventing fertilization of the egg by the sperm.