Tubal Reversal: Pre & Post-Op Care

Consultation

If you live within 100 miles of the Tampa Bay Area you will need to schedule for an in office consultation regarding surgery. Patients who reside outside the 100 mile radius or reside in another state will have a consultation the day of surgery.

Your Microsurgical Tubal Reversal

At the Surgery Center, your physician will again speak to you and your family prior to the nurses taking you to the operating room. In the operating room you will be comfortably placed under general anesthesia. A small incision will be made just above the pubic bone. The uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes will be identified and inspected. Self retaining retractors are not used to avoid tissue trauma. The microsurgical tubal reversal will begin.

The fallopian tube will be inspected and measured. The occluded or scarred portions of the fallopian tube, both distally and proximally, will be removed to expose the fresh, newly opened segments of the tube. Using optic magnification and the principles of microsurgical technique, these opened tubal segments are gently brought together using very fine, delicate sutures (thinner than a human hair). Throughout the surgical procedure, the pelvic organs are constantly irrigated with a heparinized solution to prevent tissue drying and scar formation. When the tubal segments have been successfully reconnected, a small probe is run through the tubes to confirm they are open.

Finally, the incision is closed and injected with a long lasting local anesthetic. You are awakened and returned to the recovery room. You are usually observed for one to two hours prior to being discharged.

Discharge Instructions

1. You will receive a prescription for pain medication which you can use every four to six hours depending upon your level of discomfort.
2. Following the procedure, only take clear liquids until the next day when you can resume a normal diet.
3. Keep the dressing (bandages) on your incision for 48 hours. You can then remove it and shower.
4. As you begin to feel better, you may increase your activities. It usually is about 5-7 days before you can fully return to normal activities.

Wound Care

1. The incision will be closed with a thin suture placed directly under your skin (subcuticular closure). These sutures will dissolve over a period of approximately thirty days.
2. On top of the incision, small tapes called steristrips will be applied. The steristrips help reinforce the incision and will begin to curl up in about one week At that time they should be removed.
3. Once the steristrips are removed, apply vitamin E cream, gel, or oil to the incision for about two weeks.
4. If the wound becomes inflamed or opens up, you should contact us at (727) 796-7705 and/or your local emergency room if you are concerned.