Female reversal surgery requires three to six hours of surgery, up to one week in the hospital, and two to three weeks of recovery at home. Most male reversal surgery takes one to two hours in the operating room, several days in the hospital, and several days of recovery at home. Some physicians and clinics do male reversal surgery on an outpatient basis. For women, reversal surgery carries with it the risks usually associated with major surgery of the abdomen or pelvis and the risks associated with anesthesia. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
Ectopic pregnancy is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
This risk may be greater if a more destructive method, like electrocoagulation, was used for the sterilization. There are also risks associated with anesthesia. As with most medical procedures, costs vary according to the doctor and part of the country, but reversal surgery is expensive. First, you will be charged for the screening tests that will help the surgeon decide whether you are a good candidate for reversal. Added to this are the costs of the operating room, the assistant surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the hospital stay.