Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A fallopian tube is attached to each side of your uterus (womb). When one of your ovaries releases an egg, the egg travels through the fallopian tube to your uterus. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm from a man, you become pregnant. A laparoscopic (LAP-er-ah-SKAW-pik) tubal ligation is surgery to close your fallopian tubes. It is also called female sterilization or having your "tubes tied". Caregivers use a laparoscope to do the surgery. This scope is a long metal tube with a magnifying camera and a light on the end. It is put into your abdomen through one or more small incisions (cuts).
  
  
• During a tubal ligation, your fallopian tubes are burned shut, cut, or closed with a type of clip. Immediately after your tubes are closed, sperm will not be able to reach an egg and cause pregnancy. A tubal ligation is an effective and permanent (lifelong) form of birth control. Before having this surgery, you must be sure that you never want to become pregnant in the future. You will still have monthly periods after your tubal ligation. A tubal ligation will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as AIDS or herpes.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

There are always risks with surgery. You may bleed more than usual, have trouble breathing, or get an infection. Blood vessels or organs such as your bowel or bladder could be injured during surgery. Your caregivers will watch you closely for these problems. Although pregnancy is unlikely after a tubal ligation, there is a small chance of it. If pregnancy does occur, there is an increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). A tubal ligation can be reversed but it does not mean you will be able to get pregnant again. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your surgery and care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your surgery:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Call button: You may use the call button when you need your caregiver. Pain, trouble breathing, or wanting to get out of bed are good reasons to call. The call button should always be close enough for you to reach it.
  
  
• An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.
  
  
• Pre-op care: You may be given medicine right before your procedure or surgery. This medicine may make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You are taken on a stretcher to the room where your procedure or surgery will be done, and then you are moved to a table or bed.

In the operating room:

• Cleaning: Caregivers clean your abdomen with special soap. This soap may make your skin yellow, but it is cleaned off later. Any hair in the surgery area may be shaved. Sterile (germ-free) sheets will be put over you to keep the area clean.
  
  
• Heart monitor: This is also called an ECG or EKG. Sticky pads placed on your skin record your heart's electrical activity.
  
  
• Anesthesia: This medicine is given to make you comfortable. You may not feel discomfort, pressure, or pain. An adult will need to drive you home and should stay with you for 24 hours. Ask your caregiver if you can drive or use machinery within 24 hours. Also ask if and when you can drink alcohol or use over-the-counter medicine. You may not want to make important decisions until 24 hours have passed.
  
  
• During the surgery: One or more small incisions are made in your abdomen, so that the scope and other instruments can be inserted. Your abdomen may be filled with a gas called carbon dioxide. This makes it easier for the doctor to see inside your abdomen. Your fallopian tubes then are burned shut, cut, or closed with a type of clip. After the surgery is done, the incisions are closed with stitches or staples.

After surgery:

You are taken to a room where you can rest. Caregivers will watch you closely for any problems. Later, you will be taken to your hospital room or you may be able to go home. Do not get out of bed until your caregiver says it is okay. A bandage may cover your stitches or staples. This bandage keeps the area clean and dry to help prevent infection.

• Food and drink after surgery: You will be able to drink liquids and eat certain foods once your stomach function returns after surgery. You may be given ice chips at first. Then you will get liquids such as water, broth, juice, and clear soft drinks. If your stomach does not become upset, you may then be given soft foods, such as ice cream and applesauce. Once you can eat soft foods easily, you may slowly begin to eat solid foods.
  
  
• Medicines: You may be given the following medicines:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
    
    
  • Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
    
    
  • Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
    
    
    • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
      
      
    • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.