Tubectomy is the procedure of cutting or closing the fallopian tubes or fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. After a tubectomy, the eggs will not be able to enter the uterus so they cannot be fertilized. This procedure will also block sperm into the fallopian tubes.
As a permanent method of family planning, tubectomy has proven to be very effective, but does not affect the menstrual cycle. This process can be done at any time, including after undergoing a normal or caesarean delivery process.
Tubectomy Indications
Sterile family planning with tubectomy is one of the permanent methods to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, this procedure is only recommended for adult women who are absolutely certain that they do not want to become pregnant.
This process can also reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially in women over the age of 40, or who have a family history of ovarian cancer.
Tubectomy Warning
There are a number of factors that should be considered before a woman undergoes a tubectomy. Some of them are:
- Profits and risks. Discuss the benefits and risks of this procedure with your doctor with your partner or next of kin so that there are no regrets.
- certain conditions. Inform the doctor if there are certain conditions that need to be considered, for example whether the patient is pregnant or not, drugs or supplements that are being used, illnesses that are suffered, use of illegal drugs, or consumption of alcohol.
- Contraceptive use. If the tubectomy was performed outside of labor, use contraception at least 1 month before the tubectomy. This step is taken to prevent pregnancy.
Pre Tubectomy
Before undergoing a tubectomy, the doctor will ask the patient to take certain steps so that the operation can run smoothly while minimizing the risk of complications.
A few days before surgery
- Stop taking drugs that have the potential to inhibit blood clotting. For example, ibuprofen, aspirin, or warfarin.
- Quit smoking, drinking, or using illegal drugs.
- Patients who are about to undergo a fallopian tube blockage procedure, or selective tubal occlusive procedure (STOP), it is recommended to use hormone drugs for at least 2 weeks.
On the day of operation
- Fast for at least 8 hours before surgery.
- Undergo a pregnancy test to make sure the patient is not pregnant.
Tubectomy Procedure
Tubectomy can be performed under local or general (total) anesthesia. This type of anesthesia will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition and the type of surgery he underwent.
Tubectomy can be done at the same time as Caesarean section. However, if performed outside of a Caesarean section, there are 2 types of tubectomy procedures to choose from, namely laparoscopy and minilaparotomy.
Laparoscopy
This method is most commonly chosen because of the procedure and the relatively fast recovery period. The procedure includes:
- Make 1 or 2 small incisions near the belly button.
- Pumping gas into the abdomen so that the fallopian tubes and uterus are clearly visible.
- Insert a laparoscope (mini camera tube) into the abdomen to view the fallopian tubes.
- Insert a device to close or cut the fallopian tube through a laparoscope or other small incision.
- Burn or block the fallopian tubes.
- Take out the laparoscope and other tools, then sew up the incision.
Minilaparotomy
This method is performed through a small incision below the navel and is recommended for patients who are obese, have recently undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery, and have had a pelvic infection that affects the uterus or fallopian tubes.
In addition to surgery, tubectomy can be performed with a hysteroscopic procedure. This method is performed through the cervix, so it does not require surgery and rarely requires anesthesia.
Post Tubectomy
After undergoing a tubectomy, patients under general anesthesia are advised to stay overnight in the hospital. While patients undergoing local anesthesia can go home on the same day after 1 to 4 hours postoperatively.
Like all surgeries, tubectomy also has the potential to cause side effects. Some of these include pain at the surgical site, feeling tired, dizzy, stomach pain or cramps, shoulder pain, and flatulence. The doctor will give you painkillers to treat it.
There are also a number of things to keep in mind while the patient is recovering after surgery. Some of them are:
- Keep the scar out of water for 2 days, and don't rub the surgical wound for at least 7 postoperative days.
- Carefully dry the surgical scar.
- Avoid lifting heavy weights for 3 weeks, such as carrying a child.
- Do not engage in strenuous activity or sex for at least 1-2 weeks, and gradually increase activity.
- For patients undergoing a fallopian tube blockage procedure (tubal occlusive procedure), it is recommended to continue using contraceptives for 3 months after the procedure.
If the side effects do not go away or there are worrying indications, the patient should immediately see a doctor. Especially if you experience:
- Fainting repeatedly.
- Fever.
- Severe abdominal pain or bleeding from the surgical wound that does not go away 12 hours after surgery.
- Continuous discharge of fluid from the surgical wound.
Complications That May Occur After Tubectomy
Most women who undergo a tubectomy are able to return to their daily activities without complications. Examples of complications that may occur as a result of this surgery are:
- Disorders or injuries to the intestines, bladder, and major blood vessels.
- Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Infection in the surgical wound.
Tubectomy is also not able to protect a woman from sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, keep using condoms if you doubt the health of your partner or you have more than 1 partner.
The chances of getting pregnant after this operation are very small. Even if it occurs, there is a high probability that it is an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, immediately take a pregnancy test if your period is late.
