Some women choose to undergo a sterilisation procedure, either at the time of delivery of a baby or afterwards. This can be done in several ways including having the fallopian tubes clipped or tied. These procedures are mostly done laparoscopically unless they are done at the time of a Caesarian Section when the open approach is used as the pelvis is already open to deliver the baby.
However, women may choose to have these procedures reversed if they feel that they need to extend their families. The sterilisation reversal operation aims to rejoin the two ends of the fallopian tubes. The success of this procedure depends on a number of factors. The success rates are better for those who have clips rather than ties and for those who have had recent sterilisation. Although laparoscopic anastomosis (keyhole surgery to rejoin the tubes) can be performed, success rates are also better with open procedures.