Reproductive Outcomes after Microsurgical Reversal of Tubal Sterilization in Women 36 Years Age or Older / 대한불임학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reproductive outcomes of women undergoing microsurgical reversal of tubal sterilization at age 36 years or older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 133 patients who received microsurgical reversal of the previously sterilized fallopian tubes at Seoul National University Hospital from July, 1980 to January, 1992 was reviewed and evaluated for clinical characteristics, pregnancy rates, and factors influencing the outcome of tubal reversal. RESULTS: Of 133 patients, 78 (58.6%) had been sterilized by laparoscopic cautery. Loss of children was a leading cause for tubal reversal. The mean interval from tubal sterilization to tubal reversal was 65.0 months. The overall pregnancy rate was 52.6% (70/133), and the mean interval was 9.4 months from tubal reversal to pregnancy. Excluding 7 patients who were lost to follow-up, 76 pregnancies were confirmed in 63 patients with the delivery rate per patient of 66.7% (42/63). There were no significant differences in age, duration of tubal sterilization, postoperative tubal length between pregnant and non-pregnant groups. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical reversal of tubal sterilization could be a justifiable method in women 36 years age or older.