Just as with the tubal ligation, there are certain risks with a tubal ligation reversal. This is a type of surgery, and every surgery carries risks, regardless of the length or type of the procedure.
Tubal ligation reversal risks are related to opening the lower abdomen to perform the procedure. Use of general anesthesia is normally required, due to the length of the procedure. A urinary catheter may be placed, as well. Some potential risks and complications of tubal reversal include:
- bleeding
- surgery incision infection
- anesthetic reaction
- injury to the bowel or other pelvic organs
- adhesions or scarring of the tubes or other organs
- incomplete reversal or spontaneous ligation from scarring within the tubes
- urinary tract infection
Ideally, the decision to have a tubal ligation should involve considerations about possible future life changes and should not be made lightly. However, it is impossible to predict life events, and the availability of tubal reversal surgery can restore fertility for women who have had prior ligations, and for whom natural conception is a priority.
