Salpingectomy: Fallopian Tube Removal

Salpingectomy is an operation to remove one fallopian tube (unilateral) or both tubes (bilateral).

The tubes carry an egg from an ovary towards the uterus. Removing a tube does not remove the ovary, so the remaining ovary can continue releasing hormones and eggs. The operation may be performed through small abdominal cuts using keyhole surgery, or through a larger incision when the situation is urgent or more extensive surgery is needed.

After surgery, expect tiredness, abdominal soreness and sometimes shoulder-tip discomfort from the gas used during keyhole surgery. Walking gently, taking prescribed pain relief and keeping the wounds clean can support recovery. Bowel habits may change briefly. Your surgeon will explain when to shower, drive, exercise, have sex and return to work; these timings depend on the operation and your healing.

Every operation has possible complications, although many people recover without a serious problem. Bleeding, infection, blood clots, a reaction to anaesthesia or injury to nearby organs can occur. Keyhole surgery may need to change to an open operation if visibility or safety becomes a concern. Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, wound redness or discharge, leg swelling, chest pain or breathing difficulty.

Salpingectomy removes the treated tube, so a blockage or disease limited to that tube cannot return in the same tube. It can treat the affected tube in an ectopic pregnancy or hydrosalpinx, but it may not address other causes of pelvic pain or difficulty conceiving. If both tubes are removed, natural pregnancy cannot occur because sperm and egg cannot meet through the tubes; fertility treatment may still be discussed.

The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. The surgical plan depends on whether one or both tubes are removed and on the reason for surgery.

A gynaecologist may recommend it for an ectopic pregnancy, a severely damaged or blocked tube, hydrosalpinx, infection, twisting or a mass involving a tube, or as part of selected risk-reducing surgery. The recommendation considers your symptoms, scan findings, pregnancy plans and whether the other tube and ovary look healthy.

You meet the anaesthesia and surgical team, confirm the planned operation and receive instructions about eating, drinking and medicines. During surgery, the surgeon examines the pelvis, separates the tube from surrounding tissue, seals blood vessels and removes the tube. The tissue may be sent for laboratory examination. The team then closes the incisions and monitors you as you wake.

You may go home the same day after uncomplicated keyhole surgery, while urgent or open surgery can require longer observation. Soreness and low energy often improve gradually over the first days. Increase activity in small steps and attend the wound or follow-up review arranged for you. Seek urgent help for severe or increasing abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever, or new breathing symptoms.

Risks include wound infection, bleeding, blood clots, anaesthetic problems, scar tissue and injury to the bowel, bladder, blood vessels or ureter. There can also be persistent pain or a need for further treatment if the underlying condition affects another part of the pelvis. Ask which risks are especially relevant to your planned route and medical history.

Alternatives depend on the diagnosis. A damaged tube may sometimes be monitored or repaired, while an ectopic pregnancy may be managed with medicine or another operation in suitable circumstances. Fertility planning may include assisted reproduction when the tubes are blocked or absent. Your clinician can compare these choices with your symptoms, pregnancy plans and urgency.

Look for a gynaecologist or minimally invasive gynaecological surgeon who can explain why tube removal is recommended, whether one or both tubes are involved, and how the operation may affect fertility. Before consenting, ask about the surgical route, expected recovery, warning signs and the follow-up plan.