NFRMC Performs Another Robotic Surgery First in Region: Robotic Tubal Ligation Reversal

November 29, 2011

Gainesville, FL –  More than 650,000 women undergo tubal ligation in the United States each year to end their ability to have children.  But what happens if circumstances change?  Studies show that, within five years of undergoing a tubal ligation, approximately six percent of women decide they want to reverse the procedure so they can have a baby.

Michelle Miller is a perfect example.  Five years ago, the 35-year-old woman from Thomasville, Georgia, went through a divorce and was certain she wanted no more children.  She had a tubal ligation.  “My life has changed since then,” Michelle says.  “Now, I am engaged to be married to a wonderful man who has never had a child and wants to be a father.  We want to have a child together.”

For women like Michelle, reversing a tubal ligation is a real challenge.  National statistics indicate that the chances for a success are about 50 percent.  Knowing that, Michelle searched intensely for someone who could help her.  That search brought her to North Florida Regional Medical Center and Dr. Jean Cook.

“Michelle is an excellent candidate for this procedure that is actually called a tubal reanastomosis,” Dr. Cook says.  “It’s a delicate surgery, and we want to do all we can to increase the chances that Michelle will be able to have another baby, and we want to make the surgery as easy as possible for her.”

Using the most advanced robotic technology available, Dr. Cook performed the surgery to reconstruct Michelle’s fallopian tubes through four small incisions in her abdomen.  This was the first time in the Gainesville area this procedure was performed robotically.  With the da Vinci robotic tubal reversal procedure, Michelle was able to go home a few hours after her surgery and could begin natural conception just a few weeks later, if she chose to do so.

“Performing this surgery robotically is just better for the patient because it is less invasive,” Dr. Cook says.  “There’s much less blood loss, a much faster recovery with less pain and discomfort, as well as a lower risk of infection.  Michelle’s procedure went very well, and we are very optimistic for her chances of becoming pregnant and having the baby she and her new husband want so very much.”

Robotic tubal sterilization reversal uses a combination of high-definition 3D magnification, robotic technology and miniature instruments to enhance a reproductive surgeon’s skills when reconstructing a woman’s fallopian tubes.  To reverse the previous sterilization procedure, Dr. Cook opened the blocked ends of each tube segment and then reconnected the separated segments.

“The camera on the da Vinci robot gives me enhanced detail, true depth of field and a panoramic view.  What I can see is truly amazing,” says Dr. Cook.  “This enhanced visualization and precision make possible significant advantages with what is really a delicate reconstruction of the fallopian tubes.  This is all about safely restoring fertility for our patient.  Performing the procedure robotically is clearly an advantage.”

Michelle Miller has returned to her home in Thomasville, Georgia and is confident and full of hope that her future will include a new child. “I am nervous, but I am so excited.  I am ready for this new part of my life to begin.”

The Robotics Center at North Florida Regional is a leader in North Central Florida with a large-volume robotics program where expert physicians are committed to excellent outcomes in a safe environment that patients can rely on. Robotic surgery at North Florida Regional is a natural progression from what began years earlier when physicians began offering surgical patients a minimally-invasive approach through laparascopic surgery.  Gynecologists, urologists and a general surgeon are now part of the growing commitment to The Robotics Center at North Florida Regional.  Gynecologists here established themselves as leaders in the community when they performed the area’s first robotic inpatient hysterectomy, outpatient hysterectomy, single-incision hysterectomy, oophorectomy, myomectomy and pelvic prolapse procedures.

NOTE:  Videography and photography of the robotic tubal ligation reversal performed at North Florida Medical Center for Michelle Miller are available by contacting the hospital’s Marketing Department. A video report of the surgery can also be seen online at www.youtube.com/northfloridaregional.