Microsurgical reanastomosis of the fallopian tubes for reversal of sterilization

Reversal of previous tubal ligation procedures for the restoration of fertility has become an increasingly frequent request. Microsurgical techniques are believed to offer a postoperative pregnancy rate superior to that obtained with macroscopic procedures. Of 63 women who requested reversal, microsurgical reanastomosis was performed in 40. With at least 6 months' follow-up, 22 women have become pregnant (55%), and there has been 1 ectopic pregnancy (2.5%). Comparison with previous studies using standard macroscopic techniques indicates that the use of meticulous surgical methods with precise reapproximation of the fallopian tubes results in a significant (P less than .005) improvement in pregnancy rates.