What is Tuboplasty?
- Removing adhesions (scar tissue)
- Opening a blocked portion of the tube (recanalization)
- Repairing or reshaping the tubal ends
- Removing a damaged segment and reconnecting the healthy portions
Who is a Candidate for Tuboplasty?
Tuboplasty may be recommended if you:
- Have tubal factor infertility (blocked or damaged tubes)
- Were previously diagnosed with hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled tube)
- Have had pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis
- Are considering reversal of tubal ligation
- Want to conceive naturally rather than use IVF
In Korea, thorough diagnostics such as hysterosalpingography (HSG), ultrasound, and laparoscopy are used to assess whether tuboplasty is appropriate.
Types of Tuboplasty Procedures in Korea
Korean clinics perform various types of tubal surgery based on your condition:
1. Fimbrioplasty
- Reconstructs or repairs the fimbriae (finger-like ends of the fallopian tubes)
- Commonly used for partial tubal blockage or damage
2. Tubal Reanastomosis (Reconnection)
- Reverses previous tubal ligation (sterilization)
- Reconnects the two healthy ends of the fallopian tube
3. Salpingostomy
- Creates a new opening in a blocked tube, especially in cases of hydrosalpinx
4. Hysteroscopic Tubal Cannulation
- A non-invasive procedure to clear proximal (closer to uterus) tubal blockages using a catheter and guidewire
5. Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis
- Removes scar tissue around the tubes caused by infection, endometriosis, or past surgeries
What to Expect During Surgery
Preparation:
- Pre-operative imaging and fertility testing
- Fasting and pre-op instructions provided by the clinic
Surgical approach:
- Most procedures are performed via laparoscopy (minimally invasive) under general anesthesia
- Surgery duration: 1–2 hours
- Discharge: Same-day or 1-night hospital stay depending on the procedure
Recovery:
- Light activity in 2–3 days
- Return to work in about 1 week
- Avoid intercourse and strenuous activity for 2–3 weeks
- Follow-up fertility monitoring within 1–2 months
Success Rates of Tuboplasty
Success depends on several factors including the type and severity of tubal damage, age, and overall reproductive health.
- Pregnancy rates after tuboplasty range from 30% to 70% within one year
- Success is higher in women under 35 with mild or moderate tubal damage
- IVF may still be considered if tuboplasty is not successful or if tubes re-block
Korean fertility clinics track outcomes closely and often integrate post-operative care with fertility treatments to improve conception rates.
Cost of Tuboplasty in Korea
Estimated costs in KRW (₩) for international and domestic patients:
- Consultation + diagnostic imaging (HSG, ultrasound): ₩100,000–₩300,000
- Laparoscopic tuboplasty: ₩3,000,000–₩6,000,000
- Hysteroscopic tubal cannulation: ₩1,500,000–₩3,000,000
- Robotic tubal surgery (if used): ₩6,000,000–₩10,000,000
- Hospital stay (if needed): ₩200,000–₩400,000 per night
Korean National Health Insurance may cover part of the cost for eligible residents. For international patients, Gangnam clinics offer personalized medical tourism packages including English-speaking coordinators, interpretation, and aftercare.
Top FAQs About Tuboplasty
Is tuboplasty better than IVF? It depends. Tuboplasty allows for natural conception and may be more cost-effective over time, but IVF might be faster or more successful in certain cases, especially with severe damage.
Can tuboplasty help if I had my tubes tied? Yes. Tubal reanastomosis (reversal) is a common form of tuboplasty, with high pregnancy success in selected patients.
Is tuboplasty painful? The procedure is done under anesthesia. Post-op discomfort is mild and usually resolves within a few days.
Will I need multiple surgeries? Most women only need one procedure, but if tubes re-block or scar again, IVF may be recommended.
How to Prepare for Tuboplasty in Korea
- Schedule imaging (HSG or ultrasound) before your consultation
- Bring any past surgical or fertility records
- Follow pre-operative instructions from your clinic
- Discuss your fertility goals and long-term plans
- Plan for 1–2 days off work or travel post-surgery
