In the first reported case series of its kind, Dr. Shahryar Kavoussi, Medical Director of Austin Fertility and Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, reported on a retrospective case series indicating robotic-assisted tubal anastomosis (also known as a tubal reversal with a single-stitch for the anastomosis step is effective, as evidenced by tubal patency (as shown in postoperative imaging studies and/or pregnancies). Relative to the traditional four-stitch method, the one-stitch tubal reversal technique may provide for shorter operative times and potentially lower the risk of scarring of the fallopian tube.
Tubal Reversals are performed to reattach and rejoin a woman’s fallopian tubes after tubal ligation (sterilization). Post-operative pregnancy rates vary and depend on several factors: whether fallopian tubes remain patent or open; the patient’s age; and other factors affecting fertility. However, a majority of women will be able to conceive after a successful tubal reversal.
Dr. Kavoussi completed the study after realizing no such study had ever been published. “This study came about after the fact… when I started to perform robotic-assisted tubal reversals in 2009, I decided to continue using the one-stitch technique that has been used for standard laparoscopic tubal reversals. After a couple of years of doing so, I realized that there was no published paper regarding robot-assisted tubal reversals with the one-stitch technique.”
And in comparing the “one-stitch” tubal reversal method vs. the traditional four stitch method, Dr. Kavoussi states, “Traditional, open incision tubal reversals have been performed with a four-stitch technique to rejoin the fallopian tube. The "one-stitch" technique has been used for standard laparoscopic tubal reversals for years. This case series of patients shows that the one-stitch technique for robotic tubal reversal is as effective as the four-stitch technique in achieving tubal patency and pregnancy in the majority of patients. The operative times for robotic surgery potentially may be shorter and risk of scarring in the fallopian tube may theoretically be lower due to the fewer number of stitches placed for tubal reversal.”
Read more about the minimally invasive tubal reversals or (512) 444-1414 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shahryar Kavoussi.
