Laparoscopy with Tubal Ligation
Description
A laparoscopy is a procedure in which the physician places a camera or laparascope into my abdomen and is able to visualize anatomical problems.
Procedure
A laparoscopic tubal ligation can be done in several techniques, burning (fulgeration), bands or clips.
Laparoscopy has its advantages over open incisions. We use two small (<15mm) incisons. It allows for a much quicker recovery time and no hospital stay. Most people are back to work in a few days.
The pain you feel after a laparascope varies but most people complain mostly of shoulder pain. This is caused by the air we place in you abdomen to help distend it for proper visualization. It is common to have abdominal tenderness and sometimes even quite extensive abdominal bruising.
Risks
Risks include but are not limited to the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Transfusion (with risk of HIV and hepatitis)
- Damage to bowel, bladder, ureters and major blood vessels
- Open incision with hospital stay
- Hysterectomy if needed to control life threatening bleeding
- Prolonged use of foley catheter
- Possible colostomy if bowel injury occurs
- Wound breakdown with prolonged wound packing
- Anesthesia risk
- Death
A tubal ligation is a permanent procedure.
Reversal can occur but it has a low success rate.
DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT DESIRING A FUTURE PREGNANCY!
There is a failure rate to tubal ligations although it is less than one percent.
If you EVER think you could be pregnant seek medical attention immediately. You are at high risk for a tubal pregnancy, which is a life threatening emergency.