Tubal ligation has been proven to be a very successful permanent form of birth control for many women. The procedure is relatively simple and straightforward, with a short recovery time for most women. However, it is important to note that it is, in fact, surgery, and as with any other surgery tubal ligation does carry with it some risks. Before deciding to proceed, patients are cautioned to be aware of the potential risks involved.
Major complications are uncommon as a result of the tubal ligation, but there are a few that are common to all surgical procedures. Some of the potential complications associated with the tubal ligation procedure can include:
• Low-grade infections
• Small amounts of bleeding
• Bruising at the incision site
• Collection of blood at the incision site
• Painful or abnormal scar formation
• Allergic reaction to the dressings or tape used to cover the incision site
• Delayed returned of normal bladder and/or bowel functioning
These side effects are all generally temporary and short-lived, and can be remedied with minimal medical intervention.
Other minor tubal ligation-specific side effects include pain in the shoulder region. This can be a result of the carbon dioxide used during the laparoscopy method, but this method is still preferred by many doctors and patients over the mini laparotomy, which is associated with more post-surgery pain and a longer recovery period. Other side effects of the mini laparotomy method of tubal ligation include a higher incidence of moderate to severe pain, bleeding, injury to the bladder and a higher rate of infection.
Tubal ligation also carries with it some more serious potential side effects. The likelihood of experiencing these side effects is exacerbated by patients who are obese, or who have severe heart disease, diabetes, kidney or lung disease, or those who have a history of previous abdominal surgeries or tobacco use. These can include:
• Serious bleeding and/or serious infection
• Damage to organs such as the uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder and/or the ureters
• Damage to the intestines, such as a hole or perforation, or a burn as a result of the cauterization
• Nerve injury
• Injury to blood vessels
• Blood clots
• Adverse reaction to medication or anesthesia
Another possible, although rare, side effect of tubal ligation is the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in a location other than the uterus, most commonly in the Fallopian tubes. This risk is most common in women who have had their tubes ligated (tied) by electrocoagulation.
Remedies for these major complications may require a larger surgical incision, a longer hospital stay, or additional surgery including possible hysterectomy. In extremely rare cases, these complications can lead to permanent disability, paralysis, or death. Major complications, however, occur in fewer than 1 in 1,000 procedures, and loss of life is even rarer than that.