Tubal Reversal Surgery- Advanced Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Tubal Reversal Surgery

The da Vinci robotic system is a method for tubal reversal using precise surgical techniques while applying minimally invasive surgical techniques using a laparoscope and instruments that are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. This new methodology allows for meticulous suturing (using very fine, microscopic sutures) through the laparoscope which is critical for tubal reversal surgery success. Surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting.

The advantages of robotic assisted tubal reversal surgery vs. traditional IVF usually include:

• Tubal reversal allows multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy and there is no additional cost to try for more than 1 pregnancy.
• Tubal reversal does not require ovarian stimulation with daily injections for 8-15 days as does IVF.
• No requirement for progesterone supplementation for the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy.
• No risk for ovarian hyperstimulation due to medications utilized for IVF.
• Conception can occur at home in private

Tubal reversal surgery in Utah has been significantly more expensive (>$10,000) than IVF for many years due to the high cost of hospital surgery centers.

While the Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine at the University of Utah has offered tubal reversal surgery for <$10,000 as part of their fellowship training program, it is our understanding that the waiting lists for tubal reversal surgery is longer than a year.

While our Reproductive Care Center infertility specialists/surgeons collectively have performed more tubal reversal procedures than any other program in Utah, we have not had a cost effective surgery center until recently.  In the past, this surgery required 2-4 hours of operating room time in order to perform a careful anastomosis using a microscope (and microscopic suture) with a mini-laparotomy (small incision at the pubic hair line).

In recent years, at the time of consultation, we have informed patients of lower cost tubal reversal surgery options outside of Utah.

We are excited about a new tubal reversal option for patients in Utah being offered at Ogden Regional Medical Center by Dr. Amber Bradshaw. Dr. Bradshaw completed fellowship training in laparoscopic, minimally invasive, robotic tubal reversal surgery and is now making this state of the art technology available in Utah. Ogden Regional is the only center in Utah offering this technologically advanced robotic assisted, laparoscopic tubal reversal procedure.

Tubal reversal surgery can be completed in less time (usually less than 2-3 hours) using small abdominal incisions employing this new advanced technology. Recovery time is significantly decreased given the minimally invasive surgery. At the current time, Ogden Regional Medical Center, in conjunction with Dr Bradshaw, is offering a self pay, prepaid cash discounted price of less than $6,000 for tubal reversal surgery. This is thousands of dollars less than charges at other practices in Utah that do not yet offer this advanced robotic option.

We are currently recommending that patients consult with the specialists at Reproductive Care Center for a thorough evaluation to ascertain the feasibility of tubal reversal surgery.

At the time of consultation, if the testing recommended above has been completed, we will advise you regarding the best option, IVF or tubal reversal surgery, with estimated pregnancy rates and cost. Factors considered include female age, semen quality, type of tubal ligation procedure performed, ovarian assessment report, number of children desired and other medical factors specific to each couple.

Additional testing may be recommended at the time of consultation such as 3D saline sonogram (hysterosonogram, SSG) to evaluate the uterine cavity (this is the preferred test but a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) could be done at a local hospital as an alternative option for patient’s that have insurance for which we are not a preferred provider). If tubal reversal is recommended, we will refer you to Dr Bradshaw with a copy of all of the testing and pertinent reports.

Both tubal reversal and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be excellent options for conceiving after tubal ligation. In our opinion, women should consult with a reproductive endocrinologist / fertility specialist to discuss whether tubal reversal surgery or IVF is the best option in their specific case.