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Arranging your tubal reversal As it is often necessary to juggle home and work commitments it is usually best to arrange your tubal reversal by telephoning our office on 1300 307 166 (a local call from anywhere in Australia). Depending on where you live Dr Woolcott will provide a pre-operative consultation either in person or by telephone. |
Simplified billing We offer an all inclusive package to provide certainty regarding the cost of your tubal reversal. By comparison with others, our fees are reasonable and cover anaesthetist ad assistant surgeon, as well as surgical charges. |
Pre-operative preparation
Following consultation and consideration of the benefits, disadvantages, complications and pregnancy rates of tubal reversal admission to hospital is arranged. You should inform our anaesthetist of any past or present medical problems, medications you are taking and of any allergies. You should not have anything to eat or drink from the evening before your surgery.
Laparoscopically assisted technique
Dr Woolcott and his surgical team have developed a highly advanced laparoscopically assisted method of microsurgery which has all the accuracy of microsurgery and the benefits of small incisions from laparoscopic methods.
Using his method a laparoscopy is usually performed immediately prior to tubal reversal to ensure that there is not irreparable damage to your Fallopian Tubes. This involves a thin telescopic instrument (7mm diameter) being inserted through a 1cm incision in the umbilicus (navel) to examine the internal organs of the pelvis. The organs are separated by introducing gas (carbon dioxide) via the laparoscope. Most of the gas is removed at the end of the procedure, and any remaining is absorbed harmlessly by the body. The uterus and fallopian tubes to be moved into position immediately beneath a second incision of 3cm to 4cm in the pubic hair line through which the microsurgical reanastomosis is performed. A supporting stitch is then placed through the ligaments if the ovary to keep the Fallopian Tube (to which it is attached) in position. If necessary the tube (on each side) is then dissected free of the surrounding tissue. The area of the prior tubal ligation it is then cut on either side so that a normal open tube is available for reanastomosis of each end. .
Once the cut ends of the Fallopian Tube are in close proximity with each other and stabilized in position an operating microscope is then used to magnify the site of the microsurgery approximately 40 times. A series of very fine microscopic sutures (less than the diameter of a human hair) are then placed around the circumference of the lumen of the Fallopian (which is less in diameter of a pin) to bring the ends together and establish patency. A second layer of sutures is then added to provide support and stability to the site of the anastomosis.
Once the microsurgery is finished the two small skin incisions are closed with very fine invisible stitches beneath the skin (on occasions skin staples are used particularly if there has been a previous operation scar). Rarely, a subcutaneous drain or an indwelling urinary catheter are left in place for a short time after the operation.