Tubal ligation
Definition
Tubal ligation (or "tying the tubes") is surgery to close a woman's fallopian tubes. These tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. A woman who has this surgery can no longer get pregnant (sterile).
Alternative Names
Sterilization surgery - female; Tubal sterilization; Tube tying; Tying the tubes
Description
Tubal ligation is done in a hospital or outpatient clinic. You may receive general anesthesia. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain. Or, you may have local anesthesia (awake and unable to feel pain) or spinal anesthesia (awake but unable feel pain). The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
- Your surgeon will make 1 or 2 small incisions (cuts) in your belly, usually around the belly button. Gas may be pumped into your belly to expand it. This helps your surgeon see your uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Your surgeon will insert a laparoscope, a narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end into your pelvic area. Instruments to tie your tubes will be sent through the laparoscope.
- The tubes are either cauterized (burned shut) or clamped off with a small clip, a ring, or rubber bands.
Tubal ligation can also be done right after you have a baby through the vagina or during a cesarean section.
Risks
Risks for any surgery are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Risks for any anesthesia are:
- Allergic reactions to medicines
- Breathing problems or pneumonia
- Heart problems
Risks for tubal ligation are:
- Incomplete closing of the tubes, which could make pregnancy still possible. About 1 out of 200 women who have had tubal ligation get pregnant later.
- Increased risk of a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy if pregnancy occurs after a tubal ligation
- Injury to nearby organs or tissues from surgical instruments
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
