When a woman decides that she no longer wants more children and does not want to worry about birth control, she may opt to have her fallopian tubes blocked. There are several minimally invasive techniques that can achieve the same results.
Essure
The Essure system offers a permanent birth control option for women. The Essure system consists of two small metal coils that are inserted into the fallopian tubes through the vagina.
After insertion, scar tissue begins to form around the inserted Essure coils. After a couple of months, the scar tissue permanently blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Gynecologists will use a special kind of X-ray called a hysterosalpingography to make sure the scar tissue has completely blocked the fallopian tubes, preventing pregnancy.
Bilateral Tubal Ligation
Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent the ovum (egg) from being fertilized. It can be done by cutting, burning or removing sections of the fallopian tubes.
Patients are given general anesthesia and a single incision is made in the navel (belly button). Gas is pumped in through this site to help visualize the region. Three small incisions will be made in the lower abdomen for insertion of instruments. The laparoscope locates the fallopian tubes, where each tube is cut and removed. The remaining ends are ligated or cauterized. The skin is closed with sutures that will dissolve and steristrips on the outside that may be removed after a week.
Most patients are discharged the same day of surgery. Recovery is quick with most women feeling back to normal within a few weeks.