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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Illustration
Postpartum Tubal Ligation
What is a postpartum tubal ligation?
A postpartum tubal ligation is a procedure that blocks the
fallopian tubes to prevent you from becoming pregnant. The
two fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the
uterus.
When is it used?
This procedure is done shortly after you have had a baby,
when you are still in the hospital. If you have a cesarean
section, the tubal ligation may be done at the same time.
Tubal ligation is only done if you have asked for it. It
may not be 100% successful: About 1 in 250 women become
pregnant after a tubal ligation. It is very difficult to
reverse the procedure and make it possible for a woman to
become pregnant again. Because of this, you should have
this procedure only if you are sure you do not want to
become pregnant again.
Examples of alternatives are:
- trying other forms of birth control
- waiting 2 months after the birth of your child to have a
laparoscopic tubal ligation.
You should ask your health care provider about these
choices.
How do I prepare for a postpartum tubal ligation?
Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Allow
for time to rest and try to find other people to help you
with your day-to-day duties and child care.
Follow instructions provided by your health care provider.
What happens during the procedure?
You are given a local, regional, or general anesthetic. A
local or regional anesthetic numbs part of your body while
you remain awake. It should keep you from feeling pain
during the operation. A general anesthetic relaxes your
muscles, puts you are in a deep sleep, and prevents you from
feeling pain.
The doctor makes a cut in your lower abdomen. He or she
makes a loop in one of the fallopian tubes, puts a stitch at
the base of the loop, and cuts the loop above the stitch.
This procedure is repeated on the other fallopian tube.
What happens after the procedure?
Because this procedure is done soon after you have given
birth, it will add to any discomfort you may have. You can
leave the hospital as soon as you normally would after
having a baby, usually a day or so. Take it easy and avoid
heavy activity, such as lifting, for a few weeks. You
should ask your health care provider how much you can lift.
Ask your health care provider what other steps you should
take and when you should come back for a checkup.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
This may be a better form of birth control than methods you
have used before. Also, the hospital stay for this
procedure is combined with your stay after giving birth.
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
- There are some risks when you have general anesthesia.
Discuss these risks with your health care provider.
- A local or regional anesthetic may not numb the area
quite enough and you may feel some minor discomfort.
Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to
the drug used in this type of anesthesia. In most cases
local or regional anesthesia is considered safer than
general anesthesia.
- The intestines or other organs could be damaged and need
surgery.
- The procedure might not work.
- There is a risk of infection and bleeding.
- When the procedure does not work, you are more likely to
have a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy outside the uterus.
You should ask your health care provider how these risks
apply to you.
When should I call the health care provider?
Call your health care provider immediately if:
- You develop a fever.
- You become nauseated.
- You vomit.
- You have pain or swelling in the abdomen.
Call your health care provider during office hours if:
- You have an unexpected vaginal discharge.
- You have mild abdominal discomfort.
- You have low-grade fever.
- You have questions about the procedure or its result.
- You want to make another appointment.
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