Salpingectomy

The surgical procedure for removal of one or both fallopian tubes is termed as salpingectomy. The fallopian tube also called the uterine tube, is where the sperm cells travel to fertilise the egg. It also provides an optimal environment for fertilisation and transports the egg from the ovary to the uterus. In a normal female reproductive system, two fallopian tubes are located near the ovaries to catch and transport the eggs. During ectopic pregnancy, the fertilised egg is not transported into the uterus and stays inside the fallopian tube.

Salpingectomy can be combined with other procedures depending on the patient's condition. The different types of salpingectomy are as follows:

Unilateral salpingectomy

Unilateral salpingectomy refers to the removal of only one fallopian tube from either side.

Bilateral salpingectomy

Bilateral salpingectomy removes the fallopian tubes from both sides of the ovaries.

Partial salpingectomy

The procedure in which only a part of the fallopian tube is removed.

Total salpingectomy

Total salpingectomy refers to the removal of the entire fallopian tube.

Salpingo-oophorectomy

A salpingo-oophorectomy is when the ovaries are removed along with the fallopian tubes.


Indications of salpingectomy

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Hydrosalpinx
  • Prevention of ovarian cancer
  • Endometriosis in the fallopian tube
  • Infections
  • Contraception

Procedure

Before the Procedure

  • The routine tests performed before the surgery are blood tests, urine tests, ECG, chest x-ray, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound and HSG.
  • If you are taking prescription drugs, such as NSAIDs, anticoagulant medications, ibuprofen, or aspirin or any supplements, you may be advised to discontinue them a few days before the surgery. This is done to avoid any potential complications that could increase the risk of serious bleeding or delay the healing of the surgical wound.
  • Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before surgery is required.

During the Procedure

  • General or regional anaesthesia will be given to relieve the pain and to make you unconscious during the procedure.
  • You will rest in a lithotomy position, which means your legs will be elevated above the body level on a support.
  • In open abdominal salpingectomy, one large incision is made across the abdomen. This incision will allow the surgeon to access the fallopian tubes. Following the removal of the fallopian tubes, the surgeon will close the incision with stitches or staples.
  • In the laparoscopic salpingectomy, small incisions are made near the belly button to insert the laparoscope and other microsurgical instruments.
  • Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdominal cavity to improve the visibility of the organs, allowing the surgeon to use the instruments correctly and avoid injuries. Furthermore, the abdominal walls are separated from the organs, preventing organ injury.
  • After reaching the fallopian tubes, the surgeon ties them at the uterus end and cuts them out.
  • To remove the cut fallopian tubes, another incision is made.
  • Lastly, all the incisions are stitched.

After the Procedure

  • After surgery which can last at least 45minutes up to an hour, you are shifted to the recovery room for monitoring.
  • You may have nausea, soreness and mild pain around the incisions, for which intravenous fluids, painkillers and antibiotics will be given.
  • You will be kept fasting for about six hours after the surgery.
  • You are discharged once the anaesthetic effect is completely over and you can carry out the activities.
  • Heavy lifting or strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week.
  • You can expect a full recovery within two to four weeks after laparoscopy.

Risks

Salpingectomy carries risks and the potential of complications as any other surgery, including:

  • A reaction to the anaesthesia, including nausea, vomiting and confusion
  • Internal bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Infection at the site of the incision
  • Damage to the tissues and organs nearby

Salpingectomy Care at Medicover

Medicover Hospital is a multispeciality hospital known for its pioneering and advanced healthcare services across India. We have radically catalysed the healthcare revolution with high-end technology in the gynaecology department. We have the top Obstetrics & Gynaecology department which hosts a team of skilled and highly experienced doctors providing quality healthcare services with a high degree of precision and successful treatment outcomes.


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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to expect after having a fallopian tube removed?

You may experience abdominal pain for a few days following surgery. In case of a laparoscopic salpingectomy, there will be a swollen belly or bowel changes for a few days. You may experience shoulder or back pain following laparoscopy due to the gas used by the doctor to see the organs better.

2. Where does the egg go after salpingectomy?

The fertilised egg implants in the wall of the uterus. If the egg is not fertilised, it is absorbed by the body or discharged during your monthly period.

3. Does removing fallopian tubes affect hormones?

No, the removal of the fallopian tube does not affect hormones or menstruation.

4. Does removing fallopian tubes cause weight gain?

Removal of fallopian tubes does not affect hormones or the appetite, and thereby it does not induce weight gain.

5. Does salpingectomy affect fertility?

If the remaining fallopian tube and its attached ovary are healthy and functioning normally, unilateral salpingectomy may not affect the fertility. As a result, you could still become pregnant.

6. Are tubectomy and salpingectomy the same?

Tubectomy or tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that closes a section of the fallopian tubes. A tubal removal, or salpingectomy, on the other hand, removes the entire tube. Both procedures are permanent methods of contraception that also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

7. Do we have periods after salpingectomy?

If the remaining fallopian tube and its attached ovary are healthy and functioning normally, unilateral salpingectomy may not affect the fertility. As a result, you could still become pregnant.

8. How long do we bleed after a salpingectomy?

It is normal to experience vaginal bleeding up to a month after surgery. After the procedure, many women do not have their next expected menstrual cycle for four to six weeks. When the regular cycle returns, you may experience heavier bleeding and discomfort for the first two to three cycles.

9. What is the recovery time after salpingectomy?

Everyone recovers at their own pace. However, after open abdominal salpingectomy, you can expect to recover within 3-6 weeks, or laparoscopy can take up to 2-4 weeks.

Citations

https://scmh.org/services/general-surgery/salpingectomy-procedure/
https://www.lahey.org/health-library/laparoscopic-salpingectomy/
https://fertilitypedia.org/edu/diagnoses/salpingectomy