Microsurgical Reversal of Female Sterilization: A Reappraisal

Abstract

The role of microsurgery in reversal of sterilization has been reassessed and 118 cases reviewed. The technical variations for tubo-tubal anastomosis necessitated by the condition of the oviducts have been outlined in detail. All 118 cases were included in the analysis without requirement for a minimal postoperative trial period. Seventy-six of these (64.4%) had achieved one or more intrauterine pregnancies. There was one ectopic gestation. Forty-seven patients, reported earlier, were resurveyed. These patients had a minimal postoperative trial period of 18 months. Thirty-eight (80.8%) had achieved one or more term pregnancies or were in the latter half of a normally progressing pregnancy. The mean time interval between the reconstructive surgery and the occurrence of pregnancy was 10.2 months. The longest time interval was 40 months. An inverse relationship was noted between the total length of the reconstructed oviducts and the occurrence of pregnancy.