Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent sterilization procedure used for birth control in women. In this procedure, the fallopian tubes are permanently blocked or cut to avoid fertilisation of the egg and sperm.

Prior to the procedure, your doctor will inform you of the pros and cons of the surgery and explain the procedure in detail. You may also undergo a pregnancy test to confirm you’re not pregnant at the time of surgery.

Tubal ligation can be performed as a combined treatment, immediately after a vaginal birth or C-section, or as a separate operation (interval tubal ligation). Your doctor performs the procedure under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, your doctor makes small incisions near the navel to insert a laparoscope (lighted tube with a camera) and other surgical instruments, or uses the incision already made during C-section. Surgical instruments are used to seal the fallopian tubes with the help of plastic clips or rings. The incision is then closed with the help of dissolvable stitches.

Like all surgical procedures, tubal ligation may involve complications such as damage to bowel and blood vessels, improper healing of wound, pain in the pelvis and abdomen and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. In very rare cases there is also a risk of conceiving even after the surgery.