• There are a number of methods a doctor can use to perform a tubal ligation.surgery image by Andrey Rakhmatullin from Fotolia.com
  
  A tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that involves tying off or blocking a woman's fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization. The procedure is done to prevent pregnancy and is considered a permanent means of birth control. There are a number of methods for performing a tubal ligation.
  
  

Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation

• In a laparoscopic tubal ligation, a surgeon cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes. According to WebMD, the process involves the surgeon making two small incisions on the abdomen, then inserting a lighted instrument called a laparoscope into one and a cutting instrument into the other. The surgeon looks through the laparoscope to position the cutting instrument properly, then cuts through each of the tubes. This surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
  
  

Mini-Laparotomy

• The mini-laparotomy procedure is a type of tubal ligation that uses one incision in the abdomen that is less than 2 inches long. According to WebMD, in a mini-laparotomy, the surgeon pulls the fallopian tubes out of the incision, ties them off and puts them back into place. Mini-laparotomies require a shorter recovery time than other tubal ligation methods and require only a regional anesthetic.
  
  

Open Tubal Ligation

• Open tubal ligation, also known as a laparotomy, is performed through a large incision in the abdomen. The surgeon pulls the fallopian tubes through the incision and closes them by cutting or otherwise sealing them. The open tubal legation is a recommended method for women who are undergoing another procedure, such as a cesarean section, or who have had previous abdominal surgeries. The procedure uses a general anesthestic and requires more recovery time than other types of tubal ligation.