What Is Tubectomy?
Tubectomy, also known as tubal sterilization, is a permanent method of contraception in women. It is a surgical process that blocks the fallopian tubes, thereby preventing the egg released by the ovary from reaching the uterus.
Indications for Tubectomy
Tubectomy is indicated when a woman who doesn’t wish to conceive in the future voluntarily requests this permanent method of sterilization.
A woman considering permanent sterilization through tubectomy ought to consider the following points:
- Reasons for wanting to opt for permanent sterilization
- Whether tubal ligation is the best option for her
- Side effects, risks and complications associated with the procedure.
- Whether other methods of contraception might be more suitable
Technique
Tubectomy is a major surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are cut open and clipped or tied up to block the passage of the egg into the uterus.
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Procedure
A few small incisions are made around the belly button. A telescopic device known as a laparoscope is inserted through one of the cuts. There is a small camera at the tip of the laparoscope which transmits images to a screen, providing the surgeon with a view of the internal organs. Guided by the images and working through the tiny cuts, the surgeon inserts special instruments to seal the tubes by cutting parts of them or by blocking them using clips.
Different Methods
- Bipolar coagulation- Electric current is used to sear parts of the fallopian tubes.
- Monopolar coagulation- The tubes are seared using electric current. A radiating current is also used to further damage them.
- Tubal clip- The fallopian tubes are blocked by permanently clipping them or tying them together.
- Tubal Ring- The tube is tied using a silastic band.
- Fimbriectomy- In this procedure, a section of the fallopian tube is disconnected from the ovary. This creates a gap, hampering the capacity of the tube to receive eggs and transfer them to the uterus.
Recovery
Patients may be discharged on the same day after tubectomy.
However, after undergoing the surgery, one may expect:
- Pain and nausea in the first four to eight hours (short-term pain medication may be required)
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Stitches are taken out usually after a week or ten days. It is also important to see the surgeon for a follow-up check-up after six weeks.
Care to Be Taken After Tubectomy
It is important to follow the surgeon’s advice about care post-surgery. Some suggestions for looking after yourself well include:
- Intense exercise should be avoided for a week.
- Work may be resumed within a few days.
- Refrain from sex for a week after the tubectomy.
- Pain medication can help manage pain. However, make sure to see a doctor in case of intense pain.
- Make sure to see the doctor if you experience high fever, bleeding from the cut, fainting spells, etc.
Tubectomy is a major surgery that’s irreversible and not without its set of risks. Hence it is important to receive advice and undergo the surgery under experienced doctors only at trusted gynaecology hospitals such as Apollo Cradle.
Our Tubectomy/Tubal Ligation Expert Doctors
Dr. Rashmi Patil, MBBS,MS,DNB, Gynaecology and Obstetrics/ Infertility Specialist/ Laparoscopic Surgeon, Apollo Cradle Bengaluru Jayanagar
Dr. Vindhya Gemaraju, MBBS, DGO, DNB – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Cradle Hyderabad Kondapur
