A tubal ligation is considered a permanent method of birth control. The fallopian tubes are cut or blocked, which prevents pregnancy by blocking the egg’s path to the sperm and uterus. Laparoscopy makes it possible to see and do the surgery through small incisions in the abdomen.

For a laparoscopic tubal ligation, the surgeon makes two small cuts (incisions)—one in or just below the belly button (navel) and one at the upper edge of the pubic hair. The abdominal cavity, where the reproductive organs are, is inflated with air or a harmless gas so that the surgeon can see and avoid injuring abdominal organs or the inside of the abdomen.

The surgeon inserts a thin, lighted viewing tube (laparoscope) through the incision. The laparoscope has a lens that magnifies what the surgeon is viewing. The instrument that the surgeon uses to cut (ligate) the tubes may be inserted alongside the laparoscope or through the incision just above the pubic hair. The surgeon looks through the laparoscope while moving this instrument to get the tubes cut in the correct location.

Laparoscopic tubal ligation leaves small scars. Laparoscopy is the preferred method of surgery for women who:

[sc:readmore link=”http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/tc/laparoscopic-tubal-ligation-topic-overview” ]