Tube permeability and pregnancy after tubal ligation reversal

Abstract

This study aimed at verifying the frequencies of tube permeability and pregnancy in women submitted to microsurgical tubal ligation reversal by laparotomy at a private Clinical Center, in São Luís, Maranhão, from August, 1999 to April, 2003. Medical registers from 27 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Data referring to age, motive for tubal ligation reversal, obstetrical antecedents, age at the time of tube ligation, time since sterilization and results from surgical reversal (observed at least during six months) were collected. Data showed that the most frequent age group was 30-34 years old (44%; p<0.05), with the mean age of 33±4 years (27 to 40 years). The main reason for requesting sterilization reversal was remarriage (74%; p<0.05). Women with two pregnancies were the most frequent (63%; p<0.05). The most frequent age group at the time of tubal ligation was 25-29 years old (52%; p<0.05), with the mean age of 26±4 years (15 a 34 years). The difference between age means was statistically significant (p<0.05). A meantime of 7±3 years (1 to 18 years) since sterilization was observed. The frequency of tube permeability was 67% and pregnancy rate was 52%. There was no association between the age and the frequency of tube permeability (p>0.05), neither between the time since sterilization and the frequency of tube permeability (p>0.05).