Unilateral laparoscopic tubal reversal versus IVF

Tubal sterilization is one of the most important surgical techniques for sterilization. There is a dilemma for women who wish to undo this procedure in the choice between tubal reversal or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In this retrospective cohort study, 134 patients who had had tubal sterilization previously and wished to have another child were enrolled in this study. Primary outcome was clinical pregnancy. The outcomes of 58 women who had had laparoscopic unilateral tubal reversal (Group 1) were compared with those of 76 women who had had IVF (Group 2).

Clinical pregnancy rates were higher in the tubal reversal group (55.2% in Group 1 and 15.8% in Group 2). Ectopic pregnancy rates were similar (1.7% in Group 1 and 1.3% in Group 2) between the two groups. Clinical pregnancy rates were higher in all age, body mass index, and interval from ligation categories.

Laparoscopic unilateral tubal reversal is an important alternative to IVF. However, this is an advanced laparoscopic operation, and more surgeons skilled in this microsurgical operation are still needed.