Having had their tubes tied, many women each year decide they want tubal ligation reversal surgery. But there are questions. These days the search for information usually begins on line and allows you to find that information in articles and other resources like this. Below you will find a few questions with answers and pointing to resources about the surgery and the preparation for it.
1) For this set of questions we begin with what type of information does the surgeon need? Of course,you will need to check with your individual surgeon to see what he wants. However, most should want to see the tubal ligation operation report. This will let your surgeon know what was done and what he has to work with for the reversal. You will also need some blood work done as well. This may consist of complete blood count (CBC), HIV-1 antibody, Hepatitis B surface antigen and Hepatitis C antibody. This information is from the http://www.tubal-reversal.net website.
2) Does the above preparation work cost? The answer to this will vary according to the surgeon you choose. You may get tired of that answer. If you pick the correct tubal reversal doctor, the review of your records will not cost you anything. The cost of the lab work might be included if you are using a local doctor and the lab work is included in the price. Even then most likely it will be extra. If you choose an out of town surgeon, then you will most likely get the lab work done locally and have to pay for it. According to some accounts this should be less than $200.
3) Can I get tubal ligation reversal done with one tube? Yes. You need only one tube to get pregnant. If there is no other reason it can't be repaired, then go for it if you wish. Check out the tubal reversal board at http://forums.tubal-reversal.net/ for other ladies who have done it with one tube.
4) I already have a c-section scar. Can the incision be made there? Bring this up with the surgeon you choose. With a surgeon who has the skill and vast experience of Dr. Gary Berger, the answer is yes.
5) Is too much weight a problem? Well, are you overweight or obese? If so, the answer is yes as it increases your health risks during and after the surgery. It is best to be below a 35 BMI which you can find out using a calculator like the one at http://www.tubal-reversal.net/body-mass-index-bmi.php
6) Why do some doctors suture two layers and some three layers? The fallopian tube is made up of three layers. You should ask your doctor how many layers he sutures. If he says only the outer, then you should look for another doctor. The outer layer, the serosa, is only a thin lining and not strong enough to hold the two pieces of the tubes together by itself to heal correctly. It can help though. If he says three, you might want to rethink your surgeon as well. The inner most layer is the endothelium which has cilia that moves the egg from ovary to uterus. Suturing here increases the risk of scaring. Do you want scars where working cilia should be? The middle layer, however, is muscle and connective tissue that can hold everything together till it all heals.
The questions above are just some of the most commonly asked questions about tubal ligation reversal. The resources provided will also help you find more information as you need it.