Sterilization by Laparoscopy

What is sterilization (sterilization) with laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy sterilization is a surgical procedure that provides permanent birth control for women. Female sterilization involves blocking or removing the fallopian tubes. In developed societies, approximately 24% of couples choose surgical sterilization as a method of contraception.

The fallopian tubes are on either side of the uterus and extend into the ovaries. They take eggs from the ovaries and carry them to the uterus. After the fallopian tubes are closed or removed, the male's sperm can no longer reach the egg.

Laparoscopy allows to complete the ligation or removal of the tube by making a small incision into the umbilicus. This smaller incision reduces post-operative recovery time and the risk of complications. (You can find my article about laparoscopy, that is, closed surgery, on my website and on my YouTube Channel) In most cases, women are discharged the same day after laparoscopy.

Am I ready for sterilization?

A woman should carefully weigh her decision to undergo sterilization with laparoscopy. Although this procedure has been successfully reversed in some women, the procedure aims to produce permanent fertility loss. You need to make sure you don't want to have children in the future.

Women who are still unsure whether they want children; choose a reversible method of contraception such as birth control pills, an intrauterine device (IUD), or a barrier method (such as a diaphragm). Discuss these alternatives with your doctor.

Your partner may also consider using a male sterilization method for vasectomy, which involves cutting and ligating the vas deferens, a tube that carries sperm.

Why do women choose laparoscopy sterilization?

For women who no longer want children, sterilization with laparoscopy provides a safe and comfortable form of birth control. Once complete, no further steps are required to prevent pregnancy.

However, laparoscopy may not be suitable for some women. In these cases, tubal ligation or removal may be done by laparotomy, a more extensive surgery that requires a larger abdominal incision and a day or two recovery in hospital.

Will I go through menopause after sterilization with laparoscopy?

Tubal ligation or removal does not alter a woman's menstrual cycle or cause menopause.

How to sterilize with laparoscopy?

An intravenous line is opened in your hand or arm. General anesthesia will be given here to relax your muscles and prevent pain during the surgery. After the anesthesia begins, you will have surgery and an antiseptic will be applied to your skin to prevent infection. A small incision is then made near or inside the navel. The laparoscope, a thin viewing tube about the width of a pen, is passed through this incision and the abdomen is inflated with gas to make the organs easier to see.

A special device is inserted through a second small incision to grasp the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are sealed in one of two ways:

• With an electric current that burns the tubes (electrocoagulation)
• With a tape or clip placed over the tubes. In some cases, a device is used to separate the tubes from the uterus and ovaries, a 3rd hole is made and the tubes are removed from the body.

After the fallopian tubes are closed or removed, the laparoscope and grip device are removed and a small bandage is applied over the incisions.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

Before action:

• Do not eat, drink (including water) or smoke after midnight the night before surgery.
• Wear low-heeled shoes on the day of the surgery. You may feel sleepy and unstable in your feet from the anesthesia.
• Do not wear jewelry.
• Wear loose clothing. You will have some abdominal tenderness and cramps after the surgery.
• Bring sanitary pads. You may have some vaginal bleeding after the surgery.
• Before the surgery, at least one finger should be free of nail polish.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Healing at home:

• Do not drink alcohol and do not drive for at least 24 hours after surgery
• You can take a shower at any time after the surgery. You can take a tub bath or swim two weeks after the surgery.
• You can remove the bandage the morning after the surgery.
• Patients can return to work three days after surgery. (If you need a report from a doctor who has suspended you, please report it before the day of surgery.)

strong Discomforts that may occur after the procedure

• Your abdomen may swell for a few days after surgery. Parol can be taken to relieve pain.
• You may have a sore throat for a few days. Try using a throat lozenge.
• Mild nausea may occur. Try to have a light dinner on the day of surgery. Tea, soup, toast or crackers can relieve nausea.
• Gas in the abdomen can cause discomfort in the neck, shoulders and chest for 24 to 72 hours after surgery. Try taking a hot shower, using a heating pad, or walking.

Vaginal bleeding and menstrual bleeding

Vaginal bleeding is normal until one month after the surgery. After 4-6 weeks, your menstrual cycle will return to regularity. When your normal cycle returns, you may experience heavier bleeding and more discomfort than usual for the first two to three cycles.

Sexual activity after sterilization

You can resume sexual activity one week after the surgery.

How is the recovery after sterilization with laparoscopy?

After the surgery, patients stay in the recovery room and are observed for possible complications. Patients are discharged after being told about the recovery instructions at home.

When should I contact my doctor after sterilization with laparoscopy?

Patients are asked to see their doctor for a follow-up appointment in two to eight weeks.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Nausea and vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Fever above 38 degrees for more than 24 hours
• Redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding around the incision
• Heavy bleeding after the first day of surgery