Robotic tubal ligation reversal and the current medical literature is being discussed in this article.
As tubal ligation reversal experts, we specialize in corrective tubal surgery for tubal infertility and we frequently have requests from prospective patients about tubal ligation surgery. Occasionally, these requests are for information about robotic assisted tubal anastamosis (robotic tubal ligation reversal).
To respond to these requests, we have dedicated a three part blog series to provide information about robotic assisted tubal ligation reversal.
The first article in our series, Robotic Tubal Reversal Surgery, provides a brief overview of robotic tubal surgery. This article presents the most current medical information on the success of robotic tubal reversal.
Robotic Tubal Reversal Experts: Cleveland Clinic
Robotic tubal reversal experts at Cleveland Clinic conducted a comparison study of robotic tubal ligation reversal versus standard tubal reversal with an abdominal incision. The study was completed in 2007: twenty-six patients underwent robotic tubal ligation reversal and forty-one patients underwent standard tubal reversal. The results between the two groups were compared.
The robotic tubal reversal group experienced longer anesthesia times, longer operating times, and higher costs of surgery. On average, patients who underwent robotic surgery were under anesthesia for 78 minutes longer than those patients who underwent abdominal incision. The actual robotic tubal reversal surgeries lasted 48 minutes longer than those patients who underwent abdominal incision. Robotic tubal ligation reversal surgeries were more expensive than the traditional tubal reversal surgeries and, on average, cost $1446 more. Patients who underwent robotic tubal reversal returned to work 7 days sooner than patients who had abdominal incisions.
Robot Sterilization Reversal: Outcomes
The Cleveland Clinic study concluded robotic tubal ligation reversal surgeries lasted longer and were more expensive than standard abdominal tubal reversal. The only major benefit was quicker return to work in patients who had robotic tubal reversal because of the smaller incisions used during robotic surgery when compared to incisions used during standard tubal reversal surgery.
Robotic Tubal Reversal Specialists: Ohio State
Robotic tubal reversal specialists at Ohio State University conducted a study comparing robotic tubal reversal to tubal ligation reversal surgery using abdominal incision.
They found the robotic tubal reversal patients had surgeries which lasted for 46 minutes longer, on average, than patients who underwent standard tubal reversal surgery. The robotic surgery patients had a quicker return to normal activities and stayed in the hospital for 30 hours less than standard reversal patients. The robotic surgery was more expensive than standard tubal ligation reversal surgery: $94,500 for robotic tubal reversal and $92,200 for standard tubal reversal surgery.
This study went one step further than the previous study and looked at pregnancy outcomes. They found the rate of abnormal pregnancies was higher in the robotic tubal reversal group. The robotic tubal ligation reversal group had a higher rate of pregnancy miscarriage and a higher rate of ectopic pregnancies.
Successful Robotic Tubal Reversal?
The Ohio tubal reversal experts concluded robotic tubal reversal surgery lasted longer, was more expensive, and may have higher rates of abnormal pregnancies when compared to standard, abdominal incision tubal ligation reversal surgery.
Robotic Tubal Reversal Surgery: Conclusion
Robotic tubal reversal surgery requires longer time under anesthesia, longer surgery time, and is more expensive than traditional tubal ligation reversal surgery: these are the findings of current medical studies.
Since robotic surgery uses smaller incisions, robotic tubal reversal patients have a shorter stay in the hospital and a quicker return to daily activities than do patients who have standard tubal ligation reversal surgery.
The most current medical study found a trend toward more pregnancy miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies in the robotic surgery tubal reversal patients.
Advice On Robotic Surgery And Tubal Reversal
The tubal reversal experts of A Personal Choice have performed over 7,000 tubal reversal surgeries since 2001.
During 2009 alone, we will perform approximately 1,000 tubal reversal surgeries. We have refined our surgery to be a quick, safe, and affordable out-patient surgical experience.
At the time of this publication, cost of tubal reversal at our center is between $5400-5900 and we have a high degree of pregnancy success.
In the next article in this series, Robotic Tubal Ligation Reversal: Advice, I will provide my opinion on robotic tubal ligation reversal compared to our out-patient abdominal approach.
Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith
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1. Rodgers AK, Goldberg JM, Hammel JP, Falcone T.Tubal anastomosis by robotic compared with outpatient minilaparotomy. Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Jun;109(6):1375-80.
2. Dharia Patel SP, Steinkampf MP, Whitten SJ, Malizia BA.Robotic tubal anastomosis: surgical technique and cost effectiveness.Fertil Steril. 2008 Oct;90(4):1175-9.
