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A tubal reversal is a procedure to reconnect the fallopian tubes in a woman who has previously undergone surgical sterilization, known as tubal ligation. In a tubal reversal operation, the surgeon removes the portion of each fallopian tube that has been blocked or cut. Once the damaged portion has been removed, the tubes are reconnected to form a complete, open fallopian tube.  The fallopian tube is the passageway through which the released eggs travel and meet with a man's sperm and become fertilized.

A tubal reversal, also known as tubal reanastomosis, is usually performed when a woman wants to try to achieve pregnancy after undergoing a tubal ligation. In many cases, surgery for tubal reversal is successful. However, a number of factors can affect the success of the procedure. Estimates vary, but health experts approximate somewhere between 50 to 75 percent of tubal reversals are successful in reopening the fallopian tubes. However, the success rate may be much lower.

A tubal reversal is the only procedure that can open the fallopian tubes. Good candidates for this procedure include women who have:

• Adequate tubal segments remaining
  
  
• No other significant fertility problems such as non-viable eggs or ovulation dysfunction
  
  
• A partner whose sperm analysis is normal
  
  
• No other health conditions that might prevent pregnancy

A successful tubal reversal does not guarantee pregnancy. In addition, the surgery is expensive and may not be covered by medical insurance. Women who have a tubal reversal are at increased risk for ectopic pregnancy. For this reason, many health experts recommend that sterilized women consider in vitro fertilization as an alternative to tubal reversal.