How does salpingectomy work?

The tubes carry an egg from an ovary towards the uterus. During surgery, the clinician separates the affected tube from nearby tissue and seals the small blood vessels before removing it. The ovaries are usually left in place, so they can continue releasing hormones and eggs. If only one tube is removed, the other may still carry an egg. Removing both tubes prevents eggs from travelling through the tubes and means pregnancy usually requires assisted reproduction.

The operation may be advised for a blocked or fluid-filled tube, an ectopic pregnancy, or as part of planned contraception. A laparoscopic surgery system may help the surgeon view and work through small openings.

Beforehand, discuss medicines, previous abdominal surgery, pregnancy plans and whether one or both tubes will be removed. Follow the instructions about eating, drinking and medicines. After surgery, rest, walk gently as advised, keep wounds clean and use recommended pain relief. Shoulder-tip discomfort can occur after keyhole surgery because gas is used to create working space. Avoid strenuous activity until your surgical team says it is suitable, and attend the planned follow-up.

Contact your surgical team promptly for worsening pain, fever, repeated vomiting, increasing redness or discharge from a wound, heavy vaginal bleeding, or difficulty passing urine. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, fainting, breathlessness or chest pain, particularly if symptoms are sudden.

Ask why the operation is recommended, whether one or both tubes need removal, how it may affect fertility, which surgical approach is planned, and when normal activities can resume.