Salpingectomy aftercare: what to know

A salpingectomy removes one or both fallopian tubes. Keyhole surgery may leave several small wounds and can cause shoulder-tip discomfort from gas; open surgery usually involves a larger abdominal incision and a slower return to activities. Tiredness, bruising and mild pulling around the wound can occur during healing. Your recovery plan also depends on whether the operation treated an [Ectopic Pregnancy](/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/) or was planned for another reason.

Take medicines exactly as directed, keep dressings and wounds as instructed, and use gentle walking to reduce stiffness. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, driving and sex until your surgical team confirms they are suitable. Keep follow-up appointments, especially if tissue was sent for testing. A [Laparoscopic Surgery System](/technology/laparoscopic-surgery-system/) may be used for keyhole procedures, but the surgeon’s discharge instructions remain specific to your operation. Ask when bathing and work can restart.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, increasing redness or swelling, pus, wound separation, heavy vaginal bleeding or difficulty passing urine. Seek urgent help for fainting, severe abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, chest pain or trouble breathing. After surgery for ectopic pregnancy, follow the monitoring plan and report new one-sided pain, shoulder pain or dizziness without delay.

Ask which medicines are safe, how to shower and dress the wounds, when you can drive, lift, work or have sex, and how follow-up results will be shared. Confirm contraception or pregnancy planning if relevant, and ask what symptoms should take you to emergency care. The [Salpingectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/salpingectomy/) page provides procedure context.