All surgery poses risks, including a sterilisation. The risks vary depending on the method used.
Can sterilisation always be performed via keyhole surgery?
Sometimes it is not possible to perform the sterilisation via keyhole surgery. The surgeon will then need to stop the operation. Something can also go wrong during the keyhole surgery, making it necessary to perform open abdominal surgery. This occurs in fewer than 1 in 100 women. If something does go wrong, it can often be treated. You may need to spend a longer period in the hospital and it may take longer for you to heal completely.
What are the risks of having the Fallopian tubes tied?
Sometimes a third incision needs to be made on the side of the abdomen, in order to insert an extra device in the abdomen. This may be necessary, for example, if the gynaecologist cannot see the Fallopian tubes properly. Sometimes it is not possible to place the clips correctly, for example because the Fallopian tubes are too thick or have torn. In those cases, the Fallopian tubes often can be seared shut.
What are the risks of having the Fallopian tubes removed?
Some women have adhesions in their abdomen. This makes it difficult to remove the Fallopian tubes. In that case, the doctor can decide not to remove the Fallopian tubes and instead clip or sear them shut.
The Fallopian tubes are located close to the ovaries. Removing the Fallopian tubes may result in reduced blood flow to the ovaries. This can cause early menopause. Menopause symptoms – such as mood swings and hot flashes – will start at an earlier age and you may be at a slightly increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
The effects of removing the Fallopian tubes are being studied in detail. At the moment, it appears that menopause symptoms start a maximum of 2 years sooner.