1. Clipping or removing the Fallopian tubes is a highly effective contraception method
2. Female sterilisation should be regarded as irreversible.
3. Reversal is difficult or even impossible. IVF is usually used if change of mind occurs.
4. The natural cycle with periods will return if previous hormonal methods are stopped.
5. Sterilisation does not affect hormone levels.
6. Occasionally pregnancies can occur even after sterilisation. These are usually ectopic pregnancies.
7. Significant laparoscopic operative complications are very rare.
8. Sterilisation is performed as day case surgery at Glengarry Private Hospital in Perth.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should do your own research. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. For instance, your GP’s opinion will be very helpful.
Glengarry Private Hospital is a friendly medium-sized hospital in the Northern suburbs in Duncraig, very near to the freeway, midway between Joondalup and Osborne Park Hospital.
There are several different types of female sterilisation operations that we can perform at Glengarry Private Hospital, Perth.
Easily the most popular choice here at Glengarry Hospital, Perth. Both methods are long established and very effective. Laparoscopic sterilisation also allows other problems to be checked out and treated at the same time, eg. endometriosis or adhesions
We can remove a portion of each of the Fallopian tubes out when we do a Caesarean section. It adds about 5 minutes to the operation. It’s slightly more likely to fail than if done using keyhole surgery after the birth. The failure rate is probably about 1/100.
This is usually a by-product of the hysterectomy being done for other problems like fibroids, and heavy or painful periods. This is a much bigger procedure than the female sterilisation operations discussed above.
This method is now withdrawn. It was called Essure. A telescope was placed into the womb and special plugs sed to block the tubes to do the sterilisation. The plugs are very difficult to remove. Higher than expected problems afterwards eg. pain, led to its withdrawal from the market.
There are two main ways of performing laparoscopic female sterilisation (a type of keyhole surgery).
The first, more common, method of laparoscopic sterilisation is where the gynaecologist places specially designed clips on the tubes. These clips crush the tubes causing a small portion to be blocked. The clips remain in the body. Sometimes they migrate but they’ve done their job and this rarely causes problems. Sometimes the clips may be thought to cause pain afterwards – the so-called sterilisation syndrome. this is rare, but the clips can be removed- they’ve done their job of sterilisation. If you change your mind, an attempt at reversal with reconnection of the tubes may be tried following this type of sterilisation, but reversal is unreliable with only about a 60% success rate.
The second method of laparoscopic sterilisation is to remove both Fallopian tubes completely. This is a more involved procedure, and is more costly. It’s probable that the failure rate is less with this method than clip sterilisation. It has the advantage of leaving no clips in the body. This method of sterilisation can not be reversed, with IVF necessary if you change your mind and want to get pregnant. A probable additional benefit of this type of sterilisation is that it probably reduces the life-long risk of ovarian cancer by about 50%. It is thought that many “ovarian” cancers actually originate from the ends of the Fallopian tubes, so removing the tubes prevents this type of cancer from happening.
Both types of female sterilisation by laparoscopy are day case operations done at Glengarry Private Hospital in Perth. A general anaesthetic is used. The gynaecologist places a camera through a small incision at the bottom of the tummy button. With the clip laparoscopic sterilisation method, a small incision is made above the pubic bone to pass our instruments. The Fallopian tubes are clipped blocking the tubes, completing the sterilisation. Any pelvic abnormalities found may be treated at the same time eg. endometriosis and adhesions. If removal of the tubes is requested, this requires two tiny incisions on each side of the abdomen, instead of the single middle one. This type of female sterilisation operation takes longer and is more expensive than the clip version.
This operation should be regarded as permanent. Most women who change their minds end up having to have IVF. Sterilisation reversal is not that successful, can only be used when clips are used and is very expensive.
Women occasionally get pregnant after a laparoscopic sterilisation operation. The pregnancy rate after clip female sterilisation is reported to be 1 in 200-500 – the tubes can rejoin together and become open again. Even if you have the tubes completely removed, ectopic pregnancy can still occasionally occur! If you did become pregnant after female sterilisation, the pregnancy might be ectopic and therefore life-threatening, so you would need to see a doctor ASAP if you found you were pregnant.
Laparoscopic sterilisation is generally very safe keyhole surgery. Serious bleeding or damage to the bowel or bladder are the most important complications, which is said to occur in 1 in 500 cases. Special techniques are used to minimise these rare but severe risks. Minor infections or bruises are more common and settle quickly with time and/or antibiotics.
Laparoscopic female sterilisation is normally a day-case operation done at Glengarry Private Hospital, Perth. You’ll come in for the day having had no food or drink for 6 hours beforehand. Afterwards you’ll probably feel drowsy, which will wear off quickly. You’ll need someone to take you home and be with you overnight.
It’s usually not too bad. Most women are able to walk out of Glengarry private hospital after their laparoscopic sterilisation after a few hours. There may be some pain or discomfort for up to a week, but pain relief is supplied. Sometimes there is pain in the shoulders – this is normal and will settle. Patients should rest up for a few days and take the rest of the week off work.
These should be kept clean and uncovered. Bathe & dry thoroughly but gently. If they become red, get some antibiotics – the earlier the better – it may be a minor infection (that 1 in 20 women get despite getting antibiotics during the surgery). The stitches will dissolve and come away themselves in time. They do not need to be removed.
Usually after a few days when you feel ready and the pain has settled.
Have the rest of the week off. A sickness certificate is automatically provided.
When you feel ready – usually after a week or so. Continue usual contraception until the next period, or as advised.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should do your own research. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. For instance, your GP’s opinion will be very helpful. Of course, you may have already discussed this with your GP before referral.
Glengarry Private Hospital is a friendly medium-sized hospital in the Northern suburbs in Duncraig, very near to the freeway, midway between Joondalup and Osborne Park Hospital.