What to expect after salpingectomy

A salpingectomy removes one or both fallopian tubes. Recovery depends on whether surgery was laparoscopic or open, why it was needed, and whether another procedure was performed at the same time. Abdominal tenderness, fatigue, bloating, and light spotting may occur as tissues heal.

If one healthy tube remains, pregnancy may still occur through that tube. Removal of both tubes prevents natural conception because egg and sperm cannot meet in a fallopian tube, although the ovaries and uterus may continue their usual hormonal and menstrual functions.

Follow the discharge instructions for pain medicine, dressings, bathing, lifting, driving, exercise, sex, and returning to work. Keep incisions clean and dry as directed, walk gently to maintain circulation, drink fluids, and prevent constipation without straining.

Do not insert tampons or resume vaginal sex until your surgical team says healing is sufficient. Attend the follow-up visit to discuss the operation findings, pathology if tissue was tested, contraception, and future pregnancy plans. Emotional recovery can take longer when surgery followed an ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy loss.

Contact the surgical team urgently for increasing abdominal pain, a swollen or increasingly red wound, pus, fever, repeated vomiting, difficulty passing urine, heavy vaginal bleeding, or feeling progressively worse. Seek emergency help for fainting, severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, or a painful swollen leg.

Ask which tube or tubes were removed, whether the remaining tube appeared healthy, when each activity can safely restart, how to manage the wounds, and how the procedure affects contraception or plans for pregnancy.