Tubectomy: Treatment, Types Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Tubectomy or Tubal Sterilization, is a major surgical procedure that refers to blocking of the female Fallopian tubes, preventing the eggs from reaching the uterus for implantation. The tubes, roughly 10 cm long are attached to either side of the uterus. During the surgery the tubes are cut open, tied or clipped at a particular point. It is a permanent process of birth control and sterilization. Women willing to avoid pregnancy or consecutive child birth are likely to go for this treatment.

There are quite a few types of tubectomy treatment as follows:

1. Bipolar Coagulation - In this procedure of tubectomy, uses electric current to sear the parts of the Fallopian tubes.
2. Monopolar Coagulation - In this procedure sears the tubes together by using electric current, but allows further damage to the tubes through radiating currents.
3. Tubal Clip- This refers to the permanent clipping of the Fallopian tubes. Once tied together, the clip restricts the movement of eggs to the uterus from the ovary.
4. Tubal Ring - Through this procedure, a silastic band is tied to the tube.
5. Fimbriectomy - In this process, a section of the Fallopian tube is disconnected from the ovary which reduces its capability of capturing the eggs and transferring them to the uterus.

Vasectomy is considered better than tubectomy because vasectomy is a simple and safe procedure as it does not include any cuts stitches whereas tubectomy is a complex and complicated procedure and also involves cuts and stitches. Mostly women prefer vasectomy because it is more effective and reversible as it is done for a particular period of time. On the other hand, tubectomy is not reversible.

The procedure starts by giving anesthesia to the patient and then one or two small cuts (incisions) are made on the patient’s abdomen near the navel. Then a device that is similar to a telescope but small in size is fixed with a flexible tube is inserted into the abdomen through the cut.

Then with the help of instruments that were inserted through the laparoscope or from the second incision the Fallopian tubes are coagulated or brought toa semi-solid state, then it is cauterized (burned) or it is obstructed by using a small clip. After doing this the skin is then stitched.

Normally most women can get back to their normal life within a few days of having surgery. But some women are advised not to exercise for a shorter period of time. If a woman wants to have sex or sexual intercourse she may go ahead as soon as she starts feeling comfortable.

Tubectomy can also be performed soon after delivery by making a small cut near the navel or it can also be done soon after cesarean.

Tubectomy results in quite a few side effects as follows: Allergic to certain anesthetic drugs- The process to tubectomy exposes you to use of certain drugs that have anesthetic properties, which may result in allergy or other reactions; Bleeding- Accidental punctures during the treatment often result in excessive bleeding.

It is important to pay attention to the perforated area after the operation otherwise tubectomy surgery can cause some side effects such as Infection and abdominal pain- Post tubectomy the patient may experience pain in the abdomen, usually caused by an infection; Ectopic pregnancy- Although chances of getting pregnant are almost nil after tubectomy, a case of ectopic pregnancy cannot be ruled out completely. In certain cases, ectopic pregnancy becomes a life threatening condition, if not detected on time.

The time taken to recover after a tubectomy treatment usually involves a few weeks depending on the condition and medical history of the patient. If necessary precautions are taken, then the patient is likely to get back to leading a normal life soon after the operation.

Tubectomy is permanent and cannot be reversed. This is usually a non-reversible form of birth control.

The estimated cost of performing Tubectomy operation at any specialized hospital varies roughly between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000. Prior to the operation, medical tests are carried out since the surgery is a permanent one

Tubectomy is a permanent treatment wherein the fallopian tubes are cauterized together in order to block the eggs from reaching the uterus for implantation. However, in cases where a patient asks for a reversal, microsurgery and laparoscopic methods are used that show higher chances of successful reversals.