What should you know about unilateral salpingectomy?

The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries with the uterus. Removing one tube may be recommended for an ectopic pregnancy, a damaged or blocked tube, infection, or another gynaecological reason. The ovary is not automatically removed, so ovulation may continue from either ovary. Pregnancy may still be possible if the remaining tube and ovary function well, but your individual outlook needs a clinician’s assessment. Surgery may be performed through small abdominal openings with a camera or through a larger incision, depending on urgency and findings.

Follow the discharge instructions for wound care, bathing, activity, pain relief, and follow-up. Gentle walking can support mobility, while lifting, driving, and strenuous exercise may need to wait until your surgical team says they are suitable. Keep track of bleeding, temperature, pain, bowel function, and the appearance of your wounds. If the operation followed an ectopic pregnancy, ask when pregnancy testing, contraception, or future pregnancy planning should be discussed.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, increasing redness or discharge from a wound, heavy vaginal bleeding, difficulty passing urine, or a painful swollen leg. Seek emergency care for fainting, severe weakness, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain. These symptoms can indicate bleeding, infection, or a clot and should not be assessed at home.

Ask why one tube needs removal, whether the other tube was assessed, which activities to avoid, and when you can return to work or driving. If fertility matters to you, ask whether further tests or a preconception review would help.