What you can expect

A tubal ligation reversal can be done as an inpatient or outpatient procedure.

During the procedure

During a tubal ligation reversal, your doctor may use robotic or laparoscopic surgical equipment — small tubes attached to tiny cameras and surgical instruments — to make a tiny incision on your abdomen, and reattach your fallopian tubes.

Alternatively, your doctor may make a small incision in your abdomen (minilaparotomy) and expose your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The doctor will then:

• Remove blocked fragments of the fallopian tube
• Attempt to repair the tube with tiny absorbable stitches

Your doctor may not be able to reattach one or both of your fallopian tubes if too much was removed during the tubal ligation.

After the procedure

You can slowly resume your normal activities as you begin to feel better, which usually takes one or two weeks. Your stitches will dissolve and won't require removal.

Ask your doctor when to make a follow-up appointment so you can be sure you're healing properly.