Considering the number of women who want a tubal reversal each year, it is not surprising that the question might come up about what kind of doctor does tubal ligation reversal surgery. It is actually surprising that more people don’t question what kind of doctor does this type of procedure and wants to know the qualifications of any who advertise their services.
Many, many tubal reversals are done all across the country every year. This is because on the whole in the first 3 years following tubal ligation about a quarter of women decide that they either made a mistake or want children again. Depending upon the source of the numbers it can actually be more or less than that percentage. Whichever way it is, lots of women want to reverse their tubal ligation and it is big business for the clinics seeing as there are about hundreds of thousands of sterilization operations a year that these requests for reversal relate to.
Understandably, patients really want peace of mind on the quality of doctor who will be performing tubal ligation reversal surgery on them. So what kind of doctor does a tubal ligation reversal, what are his credentials and how can you check up on them? Many clinics make claims and doctors list qualifications and accreditation, but how much of this is sales pitch and how much is relevant?
Well at first glance, it appears that there is no obvious formal qualification or approval system that regulates and scores these doctors. That is no reason to panic though, as there are many successful and highly competent doctors out there whom you can seek out for your reversal operation. You just need to do a bit more reading around and digging to discover the information as to what kind of doctor does a tubal ligation reversal and what qualifications and accreditation he needs to have.
Of course we all know that there is no substitute for experience. By that we mean successful experience at the right level in the right field. So when you are assessing what kind of doctor does a tubal ligation reversal successfully ask for hard data and details.
What are they classing as a successful operation in their statistics if these are even presented? Are we talking about a full recovery without complications with tubes that appear to be fully open or does an actual pregnancy count as a success? Are they even talking about their own specific results or some “industry” standard or something pulled out of somewhere?
Although just about every doctor these days has one, find out if the practice has had any claims filed against it for medical malpractice. Speak to the Better Business Bureau or the local hospital for other information they might have heard as well. Make sure any claims of thousands of operations are actually reversal operations.
You should know that doctors who do tubal reversal surgery are usually reproductive endocrinologists who have decided to specialize in this surgical field. There really is not a set method of teaching this specialty. For this reason, a doctor who does decide against all odds to seek out this specialty will probably need to be trained by a surgeon who is already doing the job. It becomes a sort of mentor relationship. You just don’t find this type of training in the traditional tracks today especially with the emphasis on the more lucrative assisted reproductive technology, or as we know it popularly, IVF.
On top of that, when looking at what kind of doctor does a tubal ligation reversal, look for extensive evidence of experience in advanced microsurgery. This is now how most tubal reversal operations are carried out. You will find that surgeons have differing opinions upon how to do the operation itself but what this means to you is you will really want to see the statistics regarding their specific results with their own methods. Is your surgeon delighted to make these statistics public and readily available or can you find out with a quick phone call?
Of course if the doctor is also well respected as a leading authority on tubal ligation reversal, then you will certainly have more peace of mind. Some out there have pioneered some of the more modern advanced techniques, or even been involved in the media as advisors on documentary programs in their field. Still available today as surgeons you can choose to be your own doctor are those you have developed procedures that are used today, not only for outpatient surgery but also for Adiana and Essure reversal. That should tell you these are the doctors to look at.
So can any doctor do a tubal reversal, the answer is yes, technically. Should you let just any doctor do a reversal? Absolutely not. Finding one who is a fellow of new American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) as it is now known, with a valid membership and certification who is currently carrying out his Road to Excellence modules, can be a good start.
Further looking at what kind of doctor does a tubal ligation reversal, we would have to say, one with extensive years of experience in general surgery and gynecology and who is an expert in microsurgery. Seek out one who has been trained by a surgeon who has actually performed many of these surgeries. It’s just not training they get in school these days nor even in their resident rotations.
Above all the kind of doctor who does tubal ligation reversal is not as important to you as finding one who has all the right stuff as discussed above. Be sure to check out their experience and training background and any certifications, but also check into what their previous patients are saying. Recommendations from former tubal reversal patients just might be the best guide. If you are not happy with what you read or hear at any point in your investigations, then walk away. Dealing with the fallout and consequences, both physical and emotional of a wrong or hurried decision, will stay with you for the rest of your life. Take your time selecting a tubal reversal doctor and it will be worth it in the end.
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Tubal reversal surgery is not a complicated operation and recovery can be pretty swift given the type of surgery it is. But any operation can be scary, even if it is an outpatient appointment. It is understandable to want to know more about what will happen after the procedure. Finding out what to expect after tubal ligation reversal surgery can prepare you perfectly for after the surgery is complete and give you piece of mind.
If you want to know what to expect after tubal ligation reversal surgery then we need to divide it into 2 phases. The 2 parts are immediately after the surgery is complete and then when you return home to complete your full recovery.
Immediately After Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery
When you wake up in the clinic recovery room you will be still recovering from the anesthetic. This will probably mean that for a while you will not be fully aware of what is around you. You will find that the surgeon will brief any family members or partners while you are gathering your senses.
There maybe some pain but usually you will be offered medicine for relief. This will be intravenously rather than in pill form. You may even have a pain pump to help you in the first day or two after surgery. IV pain medication will continue until you are able to take liquids. After that you will be allowed to take your medication in pill form.
Sickness may also be experienced in this period. Some people feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia and/or pain medication.
The period for recovery in the center will probably last up to a maximum of four hours. Obviously it will depend on the individual and how you react to the anesthetic. The real deciding factor as to when you will be deemed to be safe to leave will be when you are able to urinate fully and empty your bladder. While this is a general rule, you may find that it isn’t so at your doctor’s.
Of course, this presumes you are having your surgery at an out patient clinic and not at some hospital that will require you to stay at least over night and maybe even two nights.
At Home After Tubal Reversal Surgery
Once you are home, it will probably be a relief to be in the comfort of your house at last. You can now settle down and assess what to expect after tubal reversal surgery in the next few days.
First of all you may have medical dressings associated with the drainage still in place from the operation in the pubic incision though this isn’t as common as it once was. The dressings may need to be changed for a while. Just follow the schedule assigned by your doctor. You will find that older clothing and looser fitting is recommended.
The area will also probably be a little tender due to bruising from the trauma, which is a normal part of any invasive procedure. Be gentle with yourself.
When looking at what to expect after tubal reversal surgery, there may also be other effects which on the surface may seem more worrying, but are generally minor and superficial from a medical point of view. This might include some light bleeding from the vaginal area and some cramps. What may also surprise you is also how quickly your first period may arrive. But if there is more extensive bleeding then of course this should be reported immediately. It might take a couple months for your periods to settle down now that your system is returning to what was once normal for you.
Returning to Work After Tubal Reversal
Overall, after the initial effects, most women find that they are able to return to work or to their previous vocations within 4-5 days. You will probably feel pretty much back to your full capacity in about 2 weeks. As with any operation though, if you have a particularly physical occupation or lifestyle the recovery period will be longer. If your job entails lifting heavy items, look forward to not doing this for up to a month.
Further Ways to Learn What to Expect After Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery
Not knowing what to expect after tubal ligation reversal surgery will put you in a position where you could be suffering stress needlessly over the after effects of the surgery. In reality now knowing what to expect after tubal ligation reversal surgery you can see that there is really nothing to worry about as long as you follow the medical recommendations of your surgeon and report anything that is outside the guidelines he establishes.
If in doubt, there are always online forums where you can share your concerns and hear the stories from other women so you have an even better idea of what to expect after tubal reversal surgery. Your own doctor may even have a message board where you can ask questions both before and after surgery so be sure to ask.
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Will Health Insurance Companies Pay for Tubal Reversal Done for Tubal Ligation Side Effects?
Most women who undergo having their tubes tied have few if any side effects of tubal ligation to cope with. However in a small proportion of cases, Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome may be encountered. This is a hotly disputed area if you do suffer from the symptoms with many doctors refusing to accept the existence of PTLS at all. Here we will look at Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome and insurance companies view on the subject.
Tubal Ligation Side Effects
Some 14 tubal ligation side effects were well documented by Dr. Vicki Hufnagel in 1980 in her very comprehensive study of tubal ligation patients. Some of the effects are minor, both physically and psychologically, and may fade with time.
But unfortunately there are recorded cases of a much more serious nature. Violent mood swings, depression, hair loss and heavy bleeding represent real dangers and risks both to the patient and those around her.
How to Recover from Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome
In such serious cases, the only and best answer is tubal ligation reversal in the hopes of restoring the body’s balance. This is where things get a little tricky to say the least. Not with the procedure, which is highly successful and safe, but with financing this reversal operation. This is down to the fact that not every medical profession agrees with the studies that have been done so far.
Tubal Reversal and Health Insurance
A standard tubal reversal, not driven by a medical need, generally will not qualify under your insurance if done for non-medical conditions. It is classed as an elective procedure. Pretty much all private health insurance companies take this view.
Claims for a tubal reversal due to Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome and coverage from insurance can result in a different outcome. Where we are talking about pressing medical needs, or a recommendation by a doctor, we start to approach a borderline decision for these companies. But Post Tubal Ligation syndrome and insurance companies don’t always see eye to eye
In all likelihood, your health insurance company will want to see all of the medical files associated with your case. They may appoint their own experts to assess it and maybe even examine you themselves.
Problems PTLS Sufferers Face with Insurance
For PTLS sufferers this is where problems can start as it is not widely accepted or recognized in the medical profession. You may have a fight on your hands. It is best to accede to their demands in the first instance of letting them see your medical records especially if your doctor is on your side and has well documented your case until you know where you stand.
The key in all of this is to work closely with all of your health care professionals and speak to your insurance company as early as possible. By actually introducing this dialogue at a stage where they do not feel pressured by its urgency, you might actually get a few breaks.
If this still doesn’t work, there are some insurance companies, such as Looking for Anthem Blue Cross Health Insurance Plans? Visit Blue Cross Blue Shield (and you can get a free quote from eHealthInsurance
), who will pay for reversal operations in certain locations under certain conditions. This will often pay for reversal to remedy the tubal ligation side effects and will benefit the suffering patients accordingly.
Get Part of Your Tubal Reversal Paid For
In any event even if your insurance company will not finance the whole procedure, you might be able to exploit a loophole to cover a portion of the surgery. This is likely to be the pre and post examinations/consultations, testing and some exploratory costs. So you could be looking at getting things like any initial consultations, blood tests and some parts of the operative costs like the anesthetist paid for.
What is the most important thing is to ensure that your Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome symptoms and the health insurance company are dealt with as swiftly as possible before your symptoms make your life unbearable if you should have the worst of the tubal ligation side effects.
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