How long has the physician been performing tubal ligation reversals?
The longer the better! If the majority of his surgical
experience has been in other areas, that is not a good indicator. A doctor should have performed a minimum of 200 reversals
to be considered an expert.
Where was the doctor trained?
You should expect that a doctor has completed a residency
in Ob/Gyn with board certification in that specialty or reproductive surgery. He/She should also have additional training
in tubal surgery.
Does the doctor perform the surgery
on an outpatient basis?
Outpatient surgery reduces the cost of surgery and will
allow you to return home or to a local hotel following your procedure.
How many tubal ligation reversals
has the doctor performed this year?
Not just the total number. You want to know if
the doctor has performed a greater number of surgeries five years ago than he/she has recently. His skills will be sharper
if his experience is frequent and ongoing.
What are the doctor's success rates
following the reversal surgery, based on the patient's age and healthy tubal length?
Most important is the rate for your age group.
If you are 40, you do not want to be quoted the success rate for 23 year olds. Does the doctor keep data to back up
his/her success rates?
How long does the surgery take?
More than two hours is not a good indication! Complication
rates and recovery times also increase with longer time under anesthesia.
Will the surgery be performed in
a private, outpatient surgery center or will I need to go to a hospital?
Keep in mind that hospitals have residents and medical
students who are in training. The facility should also be accredited by a nationally recognized body such as the Joint
Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
What is the recovery time following
the surgery?
More than ten days to two weeks is not a good indication.
Will I know the exact measurements
of healthy fallopian tubes I have remaining following completion of the surgical procedure?
The surgeon should provide the exact amount of tube remaining
following your surgery. This may be important information to have later.
Who will administer my anesthesia
during surgery?
You should expect that a board certified anesthesiologist
will administer and monitor our anesthesia during surgery. This is preferrable to a nurse anasthetist. You should
also know that you will be able to speak and meet with the anesthesiologist prior to your surgery to discuss any important
medical and anesthesia history and that you will be provided with his/her number in case you have questions or problems before
or after surgery.
Will you be following up with me
and be available to answer and assist me as I attempt to conceive following the surgery?
You will have questions as you recuperate and try to
conceive. You should know that the doctor and/or his nurse will be available to address any concerns you may have and
that they will provide ongoing support and information to help you conceive. What are their office hours and do they
provide phone numbers for weekend and after hours contact? Problems and questions do not come up just during regular
business hours!!
