Pregnancy outcome of laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis: retrospective results from a single clinical centre

OBJECTIVE: Tubal sterilization is a widespread method of contraception. Post-sterilization regret is encountered, despite careful consideration prior to the procedure. Two treatment options are available for women after having had tubal sterilization: microsurgical reversal and IVF treatment. Recent improvements in laparoscopy have allowed tubal reanastomosis to be performed. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive outcome after laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis and surgical features of the patients. METHODS: From June 2007 to January 2010, 27 patients with bilateral tubal ligation who underwent laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis were evaluated retrospectively. Tubal sterilization was performed by Pomeroy’s technique during caesarean section in all of the patients. Before surgery, all of the patients were evaluated for possible other causes of infertility and the results of the evaluation were normal. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 31.8 years (range, 27–38 years). The mean interval between sterilization and reversal was 5.1 years (range, 1–14 years). Bilateral reversal was achieved in 24 patients. The operation time ranged from 85 to 140 minutes with a mean time of 105 minutes. All of the patients were discharged on the next day. There were no postoperative complications. Overall pregnancy, intrauterine pregnancy, and ectopic pregnancy rates were 55.5% (15/27), 51.8% (14/27), and 3.7% (1/27), respectively. Of the 14 intrauterine pregnancies, one ended with abortion at 6 weeks’ gestation (1/14). The mean interval from surgery to pregnancy was 270 days (range, 147–420 days). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis has the advantages of fewer complications, less postoperative discomfort, a smaller incisional scar, a shorter recovery time, and earlier resumption of normal activities. This technique has a satisfactory pregnancy rate in selected patients who desire reversal of tubal sterilization.