by EBSCO Medical Review Board
(Fallopian Tube Removal)

Definition

A laparoscopic salpingectomy is surgery to remove one or both fallopian tubes. This type of surgery uses small incisions.

Eggs will no longer be able to travel through the removed tubes. Future pregnancy may be more difficult.

Reasons for Procedure

This may be done if you have:

  • A tube that is blocked or ruptured
  • A fertilized egg in a fallopian tube instead of your womb
  • Tissue from your womb that is growing on the tubes (endometriosis)
  • An infection
  • Cancer of the fallopian tube (rare)

Some women may also have this surgery to lower their risk of ovarian cancer.

Possible Complications

Problems from the surgery are rare, but all surgeries have some risk. Your doctor will review problems that could happen, such as:

  • Infection
  • Too much bleeding
  • A reaction to anesthesia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blood clots
  • Harm to other organs

Before surgery, talk to your doctor about ways to manage things that may raise your risk of problems such as:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking
  • Long-term health problems like diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may order images of your fallopian tubes.

Leading up to your surgery:

  • Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Also, arrange for someone to help you at home.
  • Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some up to 1 week before surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.

Anesthesia

Your doctor may choose:

  • General anesthesia—you will be asleep
  • Local anesthesia (less common)—the area will be numbed

Description of the Procedure

Small cuts will be made in your belly. Thin tubes will be passed through the cuts. One will pass air into your lower belly. This will help the doctor see the area better. One tube will have a tiny camera. It will allow your doctor to see the area on a screen in the room. Other tools will be used to remove the fallopian tubes. The cuts will be closed with stitches.

How Long Will It Take?

1 1/2 hours

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. You will have pain in the first few days after surgery. Medicine and home care can help to manage it.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

The staff may give you pain medicine right after surgery.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection such as:

  • Washing their hands
  • Wearing gloves or masks
  • Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection such as:

  • Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and your care team to do the same
  • Reminding your care team to wear gloves or masks
At Home

Most can return to work within a few days. Heavy lifting or activity may be delayed for 1 to 2 weeks.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, or leaking from the incisions
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Pain and burning during urination
  • Swelling, redness, or pain in your legs

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  https://www.acog.org 

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians  https://www.familydoctor.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada  https://www.canada.ca 

Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada  https://www.sogc.org 

References

Committee on Gynecologic Practice. Committee opinion no. 620: salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention. Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Jan;125(1):279-281.

Fallopian tube removal may reduce ovarian cancer risk. MD Anderson Cancer Center website. Available at: https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/oncolog/fallopian-tube-removal-may-reduce-ovarian-cancer-risk.h11-1591413.html. Published February 2017. Accessed May 9, 2020.

Salpingectomy. Health Direct website. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/salpingectomy. Updated February 2018. Accessed May 9, 2020.

Revision Information