Request your operative note and pathology report from your physician or the hospital where the tubal sterilization was done.  There may be a charge from the doctor or hospital for this.

Mail or fax a note to us with both your current name and your name at the time of the tubal sterilization to let us know you have requested your records.  Also send your birth date and your current address, city, state, height and weight.

Dr. Martin will review the tubal sterilization note and pathology report to estimate the success rate.  Tubal reversal is best with long tubes.  IVF is better if the tubes are short.  Dr. Martin will mail you a report with his interpretation of your chances and estimated deposits based on your height and weight.  There is no charge for this.

You can decide about an appointment after receiving the letter.  If you have other reasons to be seen, you can make an appointment without waiting.

Although insurance policies rarely cover the tubal reversal itself, these may cover some of the evaluation and testing before surgery. Be sure to have these possibilities confirmed in writing if you expect to use insurance.  You can write them and ask:
"Is testing before reversal covered as either fertility testing (ICD-9 code # V26.21) or as tubal infertility testing (ICD-9 code # 628.2)?"

Preoperative testing is covered at lab testing.

If you are from out of town or if you want lab testing done by your personal physician, please read the information in those sections.

Abnormal tests may need treatment before scheduling surgery.

The operation is usually scheduled the week after a menstrual cycle.  This is about day 5 to 12 of most cycles.  This is to avoid bleeding that can interfere with tubal testing and to avoid a large ovulatory ovary that can interfere with surgical techniques.  Birth control pills can be used if needed to stop ovulation and to schedule later in the menstrual cycle.

A $250 non-refundable deposit is required before scheduling the surgery.  Complete payment of Dr. Martin's fee, the anesthesia fee and the surgery center fee by cash, cashier's check or credit card is required before surgery.  A personal check can take 10 to 14 days to clear the bank before surgery can be scheduled.

Prior to surgery, stop aspirin products.

If you are on weight reduction or herbal medications, you need to be off of these for 14 days to 30 days.

You need to be at the surgery center at least two hours prior to the procedure unless told to arrive at a different time.

The surgery will usually take less than 2  hours.

Recovery at the surgery center is generally 2 to 6 hours.

Limited (4 hours) non-physical work can be started at 3 to 10 days.

Longer (8 hours) non-physical work can be started at 2 to 4 weeks.

Sex is usually delayed 3 to 6 weeks.  Starting earlier may be uncomfortable.  Starting in the first 10 days may interfere with healing.

Full physical activities and heavy work can usually be started at 4 to 8 weeks. 

You should come in for a follow-up visit two to six weeks after surgery.