Laparoscopic tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control that involves cutting, blocking, or tying the fallopian tubes to prevent the egg from attaching itself to the sperm. This treatment is a surgical procedure performed with general, regional, or local anesthesia. However, before a laparoscopic tubal ligation procedure is performed, your doctor may suggest a pregnancy test to ensure that you are not pregnant. During a laparoscopic tubal ligation procedure, the surgeon will make two small incisions into the abdomen—one in or directly below the belly button and the other lower down on the abdomen. The abdomen is then inflated with either carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide to avoid wounding or injuring the abdominal wall or organs in the treatment area. After the abdomen is inflated, the surgeon will insert the laparoscope into the abdomen through the incision. A laparoscope is a thin, lighted tube that has a miniscule camera attached. The laparoscope is inserted to provide the surgeon with a clear visual of the fallopian tubes and treatment area so that the procedure can be safely performed without open surgery. Once the laparoscope is in place, the surgeon will insert specialized tools into the other incision to perform the tubal ligation. After the procedure, the patient will be removed to a recovery area where they will remain for one to four hours under the careful supervision of a registered nurse for observation. Once the recovery time has ended, the patient will be free to return home, albeit with the help of a friend or family member who can drive them home.