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What are the Different Types of Tubal Ligation Surgery?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Women who do not wish to have children, or do not wish to have more children, can have a tubal ligation surgery. During this sterilization procedure, sometimes known as a tubectomy, a gynecologist either cuts, cauterizes, or clamps the woman's fallopian tubes. This ensures that no sperm can reach her eggs, preventing pregnancy.

A partial salpinectomy is the most common method used during a tubal ligation surgery. During this procedure, a tiny section of the woman's fallopian tubes are removed. The Pomeroy technique is the most popular method used during a partial salpinectomy. During a Pomeroy tubal ligation, a small loop is tied in the middle of the fallopian tube and stitched in place. The top of this loop is then cut off, and stitched shut to keep it from bleeding.

Another less common tubal ligation surgery is known a fimbriectomy. This procedure involves removing the fimbria and the infundibulum. These are the tiny finger-like projections and the opening at the end of the tube.

A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes.
A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes.

Cauterization is another method used during a tubal ligation surgery. This involves cauterizing, or burning, a small segment of the fallopian tubes. Forceps that are have an electric current running through them are used to pinch the fallopian tube. This causes the tissue in that small section of the tube to die. Scar tissue then forms, preventing anything from traveling through the fallopian tube.

Women who do not wish to have children can have a tubal ligation surgery.
Women who do not wish to have children can have a tubal ligation surgery.

A tubal ligation with clips pinches the fallopian tubes shut. Clips, which are typically made out of either plastic or titanium, are clamped onto the fallopian tube. This closes the tube and causes the tissue around it to die and scar. A tubal ligation with rings is a very similar procedure, but stretchy silicone rings are used to section off a loop in the fallopian tube instead.

Obstetrician-gynecologists can perform tubal ligations to prevent pregnancy.
Obstetrician-gynecologists can perform tubal ligations to prevent pregnancy.

A tubal ligation surgery is often performed postpartum, or right after a woman gives birth. Known as a laporoscopy, it is generally performed using tiny cameras and tools that are inserted through small incisions in the abdominal wall. Tubal ligation surgeries can also be performed during another abdominal surgery, when a much larger incision is made. For example, tubal ligations directly following a cesarean section are quite common.

It's common for a woman to have tubal ligation surgery directly following a C-section.
It's common for a woman to have tubal ligation surgery directly following a C-section.

Although a tubal ligation is often considered a permanent female contraception, some women may want to have children after the procedure is done. In this case, a tubal ligation reversal can be attempted. The success rates of these procedures vary, depending on several things, including the type of tubal ligation surgery performed.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

I had a tubal when they did the C-section for my daughter. It was fine. I knew I didn't need to have another child at my age, and a tubal was the way to go for me, too.

I'm glad they were able to give me an epidural and twilight anesthesia. I was groggy, but was able to see my daughter, and I didn't get sick as a dog like I usually do when I have anesthesia. It was much easier on my system. I did have some mild nausea, but nothing like I had when I had my wisdom teeth out, even! Didn't mess with my blood pressure either, which was good.

Grivusangel

I had the Pomeroy method of salpinectomy and had no problems. I still have regular periods and don't have to deal with taking birth control.

It really wasn't a big deal. The doctor did it laparascopically and I stayed overnight in the hospital and went home the next day. I was sore, of course, but in a few days, I felt fine and went back to work. It was a good choice for me. I didn't want to be on birth control pills until I was in menopause, so I decided on the tubal ligation. My husband said the surgery took about 45 minutes. The doctor said it took about as long to put me to sleep and wake me up as it did to do the actual procedure.

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    • A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes.
    • Women who do not wish to have children can have a tubal ligation surgery.
      By: Monkey Business
      Women who do not wish to have children can have a tubal ligation surgery.
    • Obstetrician-gynecologists can perform tubal ligations to prevent pregnancy.
      By: endostock
      Obstetrician-gynecologists can perform tubal ligations to prevent pregnancy.
    • It's common for a woman to have tubal ligation surgery directly following a C-section.
      By: Anton Booysen
      It's common for a woman to have tubal ligation surgery directly following a C-section.
    • Irregular periods may occur after having a tubal ligation.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Irregular periods may occur after having a tubal ligation.
    • The gynecologist should discuss the various tubal ligation surgical options that are available to her patient.
      By: JackF
      The gynecologist should discuss the various tubal ligation surgical options that are available to her patient.
    • Although tubal ligation may prevent pregnancy, condoms should be worn to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Although tubal ligation may prevent pregnancy, condoms should be worn to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
    • A tubal ligation is typically performed immediately after a woman has given birth.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A tubal ligation is typically performed immediately after a woman has given birth.