A laparoscopic tubal ligation is done to permanently prevent a woman from getting pregnant. During this procedure, the doctor makes two small cuts (incisions). The dotted lines show where the cuts are made. One incision is just below your belly button and another is just above your pubic hairline.

The doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and other surgical tools through the incisions. The doctor is able to see your fallopian tubes with the scope. The fallopian tubes are then cut, clamped closed, tied off or sealed by applying heat (cautery).