When you have decided that you want a permanent form of birth control without relying on daily birth control pills, tubal ligation is a viable solution. There are two options available for tubal ligation, colpotomy and laparoscopic, which are both minimally invasive and performed as outpatient surgeries. Your Glendora General Surgeon will determine the best approach for your individual medical history and personal situation.
Tubal Ligation General Information
For either procedure, you will need to arrive at the outpatient clinic or the hospital two hours before the operation time. You will be given a general anesthetic to ensure that you sleep through the surgery and will not feel any pain. The time required for these surgeries is approximately 30 minutes for completion. After the procedure, you will remain in a recovery area for observation and until the anesthetic has worn off. Because of the drowsiness effects caused by the anesthesia, you will not be allowed to drive, and you will need to have someone available to take you home. Before you are released, you will be reminded of your home care instructions and the date for your follow up an office appointment.
Colpotomy Tubal Ligation
This operation is performed internally without the need for any external incisions. There will be no visible scars. Your surgeon will make an incision in the back of your vagina and then insert a surgical instrument called an Intrauterine Sound. This lets the surgeon position your uterus in a manner to reach your fallopian tubes and pull them out through the incision. Your tubes are then surgically cut through, tied off, or sealed shut. Your tubes are returned to their original position, and the internal incision is closed with stitches. You will then be taken to a recovery area.
Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation
For this operation, your surgeon will make a small incision either in or just below your belly button. To get a clear view of the operation site, your abdomen wall is raised by the use of harmless gas. The surgeon will then insert a laparoscope, a thin surgical instrument with a light attached. A smaller surgical device is then inserted either through the laparoscope or through a second, small incision made just above your pubic hairline. This device will grasp your fallopian tubes and close them off with clamps, rings, or by cauterization. Your tubes are then put back in place, and the surgical instruments are removed. Your incisions will be closed with sutures. The stitches may be covered with surgical tape for faster healing. Any resulting scars will be very small. You will then be taken to a recovery area.
