Salpingectomy

What is Salpingectomy?

Salpingectomy is the removal of a woman’s fallopian tube, the tube through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus. A salpingectomy may be performed for several different reasons. Removal of one tube (unilateral salpingectomy) is usually performed if the tube has become infected (a condition known as salpingitis). Salpingectomy is also used to treat an ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which a fertilized egg has implanted in the tube instead of inside the uterus. A bilateral salpingectomy (removal of both the tubes) is usually done if the ovaries and uterus are also going to be removed. If the fallopian tubes and the ovaries are both removed at the same time, this is called a salpingo-oophorectomy. 

Salpingectomies also differ in terms of incision types. With a laparoscopic salpingectomy, the surgeon makes a tiny incision under the navel, using general anesthesia. If the surgeon needs to work with a larger area, she will make a bikini cut, which is a 4- to 6-inch incision just above the pubic hairline. This is generally done under general anesthesia.

Side effects and aftercare

The side effects of a salpingectomy depend somewhat on how it was performed. With the laparoscopic salpingectomy, recovery time is shorter because of the tiny incision. The bikini cut is major surgery and with it comes increased pain and risk of bleeding. With both types of incisions, there is risk for reaction to anesthesia, risk of infection and potential for scarring. Most women take about three days to recover after a salpingectomy. Because the bikini cut is major surgery, it will take longer to fully recover after the procedure.

Notify your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • If you experience fever above 100 degrees.
  • Excessive pain (not controlled by pain medication).
  • Swelling or discharge from the wound.
  • If you experience excessive bleeding.
  • If you develop severe chest pain, experience persistent nausea and vomiting or shortness of breath.

Written by Webmaster