FALLOPIAN TUBE REMOVAL

FALLOPIAN TUBE REMOVAL

Overview and Facts

Fallopian tube removal or salpingectomy is a surgical procedure for removal of the diseased fallopian tubes in females. It can be done alone or combined with other procedures like oophorectomy (ovary removal), hysterectomy (uterus removal), and cesarean section (C-section).

When two people have intercourse, and the sperm cell successfully meets the egg cell in the fallopian tube, fertilization occurs. Once this takes place, the zygote (or a newly fertilized cell) moves down the fallopian tube and into the uterus.It is also called uterine tubes or oviducts, these tube-like structures that open into either side of the females’ uterus are powerful because they transport the ova from the ovary to the uterus each month. 

Salpingectomy is preferred over salpingostomy (also called neosalpingostomy or the process of creating an opening into the fallopian tube ) to treat the buildup of fluid (hydrosalpinx) in a fallopian tube.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

The removal of the fallopian tubes can either be only a part of it, one or both tubes. The other types are as follows:

  • partial salpingectomy or only a part of the fallopian tube is removed. It can be done to treat cancer on one tube or an ectopic pregnancy
  • unilateral salpingectomy or removal of only one infected fallopian tube
  • bilateral salpingectomy or removing both fallopian tubes, normally done as a form of contraception. This removal type can also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
  • complete or total salpingectomy where the entire fallopian tube is removed
  • salpingo-oophorectomy or the removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries

 

SYMPTOMS

There are no actual symptoms, but salpingectomy is normally performed to treat conditions affecting the fallopian tubes like:

  • ectopic pregnancy (or tubal pregnancy) where a fertilized egg grows outside a woman’s uterus
  • hydrosalpinx or the accumulation of fluid within the fallopian tube and can cause infertility
  • fallopian tube infections because of organisms like syphilis and chlamydia
  • cancer in the fallopian tube or ovarian cancer

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Certain tests need to be done before one can undergo a salpingectomy to diagnose underlying conditions. These include the following:

  • abdominal and pelvic ultrasound to help detect the disease condition
  • hysterosalpingogram wherein a contrast medium is inserted so that imaging tests can be visualized through an x-ray
  • laparoscopy to visualize the fallopian tubes and nearby structures to diagnose the condition
  • normal routine tests like blood and urine tests, ECG, and chest x-ray.

 

TREATMENT

Salpingectomy can be a long procedure, so it is advisable to communicate with your doctor if you need to do pre-operative check-ups. Overnight fasting is required while still being hydrated.

On the day of the surgery itself, you will be given general anesthesia because the surgeon needs to make an incision a few inches long on your lower abdomen so that the tubes can be seen and removed. In some cases, lasers may be used instead of ligatures, surgical staples, endocoagulation, and cauterization.

After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room. You may have infection, bleeding and discharge for several days, so it is suggested to contact your healthcare provider.

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