Does proximal portion represent an actual measure?

The major factors affecting pregnancy rate after tubal reversal is the age of the woman now, her ovarian reserve, how long the fallopian tube is after repair and the quality of her partner’s sperm. Depending on these factors, pregnancy rates would average about 60% but with a broad range from 10% or less (in which case the surgery to reverse would not be indicated) or to very high chances above 80%.
If the procedure was performed in 1996 then you are now 14 years older which means likely around 40 or more. At age 40 pregnancy rates are reduced by about half compared to a woman in her 20’s and by age 42 to 43 to only a quarter as much. A live birth is possible but not likely at all once a women is 42 or more and undergoes a tubal reversal.
The length of the fallopian tube after repair depends mostly on the type of tubal ligation procedure performed and how much injury occurred to the tube to create the intended occlusion of the tube. Clips do the least damage, bipolar surgery does more damage and unipolar electrosurgery (the latter two surgeries often referred to as “cautery”) the most damage. In some women the tube is completely removed (salpingectomy) in which case it obviously cannot be repaired. A fallopian tube over 5 cm (~ 2 inches) in length after tubal reversal has a reasonable chance of working. Tubes less than 3 cm in length almost never can help create a pregnancy. The proximal portion just refers to the region of the tube closer to the uterus. It comprises less than half the length of a normal length tube, which is about 10-12 cm.
Tubal reversal usually involves a very small bikini incision and a general anesthetic. A microscope and fine instruments and sutures are used to remove the damaged part of the tube and put two healthy parts back together. Many women can go home the same day or the next morning. A few surgeons do this through laparoscopy. Results are likely not quite as good but recovery is a little faster. Most women are back at work and reasonably full activity in 3 to 4 weeks.
Most pregnancies after tubal reversal occur within one year. If the woman is older, has shortened tubes or poor sperm quality in her partner, then IVF is usually a better choice to have a baby. The tubal reversal likely costs a little less than IVF, but the overall costs are not that different.
It is important to see a reproductive endocrinologist and surgeon knowledgeable and experienced in both IVF and in tubal reversal surgery in order to choose which approach is best for any given woman.
For some women, adoption or deciding not to have more children is an appropriate choice.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Probably a small portion of the portion of the tube closest to the uterus

Published on Jul 11, 2012