Purpose: to evaluate pregnancy outcome after laparoscopic tubal anastomosis. Method: from December 1998 to December 2001, 26 patients with bilateral tubal ligation who underwent laparoscopic tubal anastomosis were prospectively evaluated. Patients' age ranged from 28 to 37 years. The follow-up period ranged from 150 to 425 days and tubal patency (evaluated by hysterosalpingography) and pregnancy outcome were evaluated. Results: laparoscopic tubal reversal was performed in 23 patients. Bilateral reversal was attempted in all except two patients. The operation time ranged from 95 to 155 minutes and all patients were discharged on the following morning. Tubal patency was confirmed in 15 patients (15/23). Pregnancy rate was 56.5% (13/23), without ectopic pregnancies. Nine patients got pregnant in up to four months and four in up to nine months after discontinuing the use of condom. Conclusion: in selected cases, laparoscopic tubal reversal can be performed in patients who had been submitted to tubal sterilization and desire new pregnancies. Patient selection as well as meticulous surgical technique are key factors in achieving satisfactory pregnancy rates.
Tubal anastomosis; Infertility; Surgical contraception; Tubal sterilization