Tubal Ligation Complications

It is important to be aware of the potential risks of tubal ligation. Complications can range from nausea and vomiting to paralysis or even loss of life. Minor complications, such as bruising, are usually temporary. Depending on the individual situation, a major complication may lead to a longer stay, a blood transfusion, or a repeat surgery. Fortunately, major complications from tubal ligation occur in less than 1 out of 100 procedures.

 

Complications From Tubal Ligation: An Introduction

No surgery is completely free of risks. However, tubal ligation has been done for many years with good results and few complications or problems.
 
We will now talk about some of the possible minor and major tubal ligation complications for women getting their "tubes tied" through a laparoscope. This article does not cover the risks related to the other tubal ligation procedure which follows birth, known as postpartum tubal ligation. (Click Tubal Ligation Risks for information on postpartum tubal ligation complications.)
 
Also, this article does not cover the risks of anesthesia. Your anesthesia care team can talk with you about these specific risks.
 

Minor Tubal Ligation Complications

Minor complications of tubal ligation can include:
 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Minor infections
  • Minor bleeding
  • Bruising or a collection of blood at the incision site
  • Burns on the skin
  • Abnormal or painful scar formation
  • Allergic skin reaction to tape, dressings, or latex
  • Delayed return of bowel and/or bladder function.
     
In most cases, if one of these minor problems does occur, it is temporary, and your healthcare provider can take care of it easily.
 
(Tubal Ligation Complications Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD