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Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation, also known as the Female Sterilization Procedure, is considered a permanent surgical method of contraception.  Tubal ligation may be an option for the following reasons or under the following circumstances.

A woman does not want to get pregnant anymore or the couple decides not to have more children because 1) they want to limit the number of their children 2) the woman has an illness, chronic disease or poor health condition that would put the pregnancy into a high-risk category 3) the woman, man or both have genetic diseases or conditions which they would not want to pass on to their children/

A woman may not be able to tolerate the side-effects of a hormonal contraception method. 

A woman has a health condition or is under medication which would present as a contra-indication for the use of contraceptive pills or hormonal injections.

A woman wants a permanent contraceptive method which would entail less hassle on her part, such as remembering menstrual cycles, taking daily contraceptive pills or using contraceptives that would warrant regular follow up with her OB-Gyne physician.

Tubal Ligation Techniques

Tubal ligation may be performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic set-up. The following various methods or techniques may be employed.

Pomeroy Technique. This is the most popular and widely used method of tubal ligation. The Fallopian tube is tied in a loop using an absorbable suture.  The loop is then cut or resected. 

Parkland Tubal Ligation. Fallopian tube is tied using a non-absorbable suture on the proximal and middle part.  The tube between the two ligations are then cut or resected.

Irving Ligation Technique, similar to the Parkland procedure. However, one end of the tube segment is sutured to the back of the uterus, while the other end is buried in the connective tissue that lines the fallopian tube.

Cautery Ligation. Monopaular or Bipolar cautery ligation technique utilizes electric current to cauterize and burn sections of the fallopian tube.

Hulka Clip Ligation via Laparoscopy.  The fallopian tube is occluded using a plastic Hulka Clip.

Fallope Ring Ligation via Laparoscopy. An elastic Fallope ring or band is placed around the loop of the fallopian tube, constricting and occluding the Fallopian tube. 

Fimbriectomy. Involves the resection or cutting of the fimbria, the distal end of the fallopian tube.

Currently, there is a new technique that is being introduced, the Essure sterilization, which employs a hysteroscopic tubal occlusion method.  Though accepted as a technique in the US in 2002, this method have not yet earned wide acceptance.

Tubal Ligation Reversal

There are rare cases in which a woman may decide to seek out Tubal Ligation Reversal for the purpose of having children. In highly select cases, the results from Tubal Ligation may be reversed, but may not definitively lead to pregnancy. Tubal Ligation should be considered a permanent decision, but there may be infertility options available to assist with pregnancy.    

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.