Tubal Ligation Reversal

Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Tubal Reversal Informed Decision And Recovery

Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center (http://www.tubal-reversal.net) -- Dr. Berger discusses the issue of informed decision about tubal ligation reversal with his patient during her recovery just after her tubal reversal surgery. As a nurse herself, she points out how helpful it is to have a full understanding of the tubal reversal process to make an informed decision about it and why she chose tubal reversal vs IVF



Transcript of Video Interview With Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger: And briefly because of their ages they were told no you can’t and that was really not their place. That is not a decision that a doctor makes for somebody else. I mean that is a personal decision based on the concept of informed consent. Then I suggested we talk a little bit about it because to me that is a really important issue. And informed consent is not just the signing of a piece of paper where someone just sticks a piece of paper in front of you. It is a process of when someone calls or starts to seek information. We try to provide very comprehensive information about everything that we can think of that is related to tubal ligation reversal. All of the pros and cons, how it’s done, what are the various options. I mean in the terms of surgery the various types of surgical procedures, alternative treatments which involves in vitro fertilization or some variation of that.

Tubal Reversal Patient: Your website is excellent as far as finding out. I mean, I am a researcher. I will read something to death before I make a decision. And you do offer a lot of information on your website. And everyone was so knowledgeable too. I mean, I did have questions pop up and it was very easy to have questions answered. Even at home if I did think of something it was easy enough to find it on the website or to find someone that could answer it. And that is being accessible too and that is a really good thing.

Dr. Berger: That’s right it is pretty important and we have nurses generally we have two nurses. Well, during working hours we have a lot of nurses who work here. But, outside of work hours we have two nurses carrying cell phones and myself. And I try to be readily available by email. I check email everyday even multiple times throughout the day. But it’s interesting to me too like you are here this is now and we are sitting in the second stage recovery room. And I think I finished your operation around 11:00am.

Nurse: 11:07am

Dr. Berger: And it is now 12; 35pm, so this is within an hour and a half of surgery. I think one of the things that is important to me that I really try to ensure for patients is that not only is the surgery safe but I do everything I possibly can to make sure it is comfortable.

Tubal Reversal Patient: Nods head and answers yes.

Dr. Berger: Because one of the worst things about surgery is that it can be real painful and that’s one of the disadvantages of a surgical procedure and the recovery time it takes. I find it interesting and the reason I asked if you’d be will to talk about it because as a neonatal intensive care nurse you see things from both the patients perspective and as a nursing professional.

Tubal Reversal Patient: Some of the wonderful things you have are the pictures you have and the books in the waiting room and there are people who are wondering are really real and yes they are they are right in the books and that is a wonderful thing. And it really boosts you up a bit.

Dr. Berger: And that is the joy of the whole thing. And obviously, I want know I mean there are various reasons for it. And when it comes back to the issue of informed consent frankly I don’t see how anyone could undergo tubal reversal surgery unless they have a realistic idea of that the success is going to be. That is in the potential benefits and the potential risks. Well if we do not follow up on all the patients that have surgery and find out what the outcomes are how can provide that information? And I don’t know how to say it the sad thing or kind of disgraceful thing is that no one else does this. It does take a lot of effort admittedly. You have to be committed to maintaining that contact which is different then most surgical procedures where once the patient is recovered from surgery and they are no longer a patient. But, to me it’s the only sensible thing to do. It’s exciting to know what is happening. Intellectually, it is gratifying. And it adds useful information to the medical field but it’s absolutely essential for the patients when they are trying to decide what to do. If they don’t have that how could they really decide between IVF or tubal reversal or to go to this place or have a tubal reversal someplace else? These things seem just common sense.

Tubal Reversal Patient: And they are able to decide what to do. When I went to work and told them what I was going to do and they asked if it was going to work and I was able to give them that information because it was right there on the website and plus in speaking with you. I know everyone’s situation is different and every patient that comes through your door has a little bit of a different scenario why they chosen this and what’s going on in their lives and you are right in what you said informed consent is a very personal thing. But the question is will it work for me? And what are the benefits and what are the risks involved to me is I do this? Not just physically but emotionally and it is a big undertaking for anybody. And I really do feel like I was very prepared by you the staff and your website.

Dr. Berger: (To partner) And how about you? How do you feel about it?

Tubal Reversal Patients Partner: The full disclosure of knowing both sides of it it is not a used car sales pitch. It’s here what we offer and here’s the good, here’s the bad and you make the decision on your own. There’s no sugarcoating of anything to get business. You definitely give out the impression of you want people to come in knowing what they are getting into and that they are completely aware of every aspect and every side of it.