Tubal Reversal VIP Questions

Here is a list of questions to ask when considering how to choose a doctor to perform your tubal reversal surgery and the types of responses you should expect. For more information or assistance, please send me an email (JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net) or call me at (919) 656-8204.

Question: What credentials does the doctor have that demonstrate expertise in tubal reversal surgery?

Answer: You can check on line to see if the doctor is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the Society of Reproductive Surgeons. Doctors with both of these credentials are recognized by their peers as experts with the training and experience best suited for tubal reversal surgery.

Question: How many tubal ligation reversals has the doctor performed?

Answer: The more experience the doctor has, the better! Dr. Berger performs 4 tubal reversals everyday, 5 days a week, yet he also maintains a personalized atmosphere where each patient receives one-on-one nursing care. Having performed more than 6000 tubal ligation reversals, Dr. Berger has the most experience with this outpatient procedure of any reproductive surgeon in the world. Patients come to him from across the US and abroad to have their tubes repaired. He is considered by many to be the best tubal reversal doctor.

Question: Does the doctor perform tubal reversals on an outpatient basis?

Answer: The answer to this question should be "yes", since outpatient surgery not only reduces cost but also avoids risks of hospitalization, such as possible infection with hospital acquired bacteria.

Question: What are the doctor's success rates following tubal reversal surgery, based on the patient's age and type of tubal ligation?

Answer: The answer to this question should be based on accurate statistical data. If you are 40 and had a monopolar tubal coagulation, you do not want to be quoted the success rate for 23 year olds with tubal ligation by Hulka clips. Ask for information about the outcomes of surgery for women in your age group and with your method of tubal ligation. Ask to see the statistics that the doctor has regarding his patients' outcomes. At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center we keep an extensive information database and can give you detailed statistics about pregnancy rates for our patients taking into account age, tubal ligation method, and many other factors. A weekly pregnancy report is also provided on our Tubal Reversal Message Board. We are committed to providing accurate and up to date information.

Question: How long does tubal reversal surgery normally take?

Answer: Tubal reversal performed by Dr. Berger usually takes an hour or less. Minimizing operating time is important, since longer anesthesia and surgery times are associated with increased complication rates and recovery from surgery.

Question: Is it better to have my tubal reversal in an outpatient center or a hospital?

Answer: Chapel Hill Surgical Center is the only medical facility dedicated exclusively to tubal reversal surgery and is licensed by the North Carolina Division of Facility Services. Personalized care is easier to ensure in this small private outpatient setting than in a large hospital. We have a higher clinical staff to patient ratio than in a hospital, and we concentrate all of our attention on the safety and comfort of tubal reversal patients. To get an idea about our commitment to patient safety and comfort, read some of our patients' testimonials.

Question: What is the expected recovery time following tubal reversal?

Answer: Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within 5 to 10 days.

Question: Does the doctor perform procedures other than tubal reversal surgery?

Answer: It is important that the doctor limits his practice to tubal reversal surgery. If he is also performing other gynecology or obstetrical cases, his schedule is less predictable. If the doctor is also delivering babies, you may find your procedure has to be rescheduled to accommodate a pending delivery. Having surgery in a facility limited to tubal reversal surgery also means that you will be sharing your experience on the day of surgery with other women and couples who are there for the same reason – and not for another type of surgical procedure or illness.

Question: Will you be following up with me to assist me when I have questions or concerns following my tubal reversal? Is there message board or e-mail availability for general questions? Will there be any charges for my follow-up care?

Answer: You should expect to be given a 24-hour pager or telephone number for the physician as well as the nurse or anesthesiologist before you leave the facility. You will also want to know that a member of the staff will check on you at intervals after surgery. Ongoing follow-up is how a doctor and his staff determine patient outcomes, such as how your recovery is progressing, and whether you have had complications that need to be addressed. Since questions and concerns can arise at any time following surgery, Dr. Berger and our nursing staff will be available for on-going support and information to help you conceive as well as to monitor your early pregnancy. Both Dr. Berger and his staff moderate the interactive message board to respond to questions and also answer phone and e-mail questions in the evening, on weekends, and on holidays. There is no additional cost for this follow-up care.