What is Salpingectomy

Salpingectomy, also called tubectomy, is the surgical removal of one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are where eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

Removing one fallopian tube does not prevent you from becoming pregnant. It also does not cause problems with your menstrual periods. You may need a salpingectomy if you:

• Have a fertilized egg that attaches to the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy), especially one that causes the tube to burst or tear (rupture).
• Have an infected fallopian tube.
• Have cancer of the fallopian tube or nearby organs.
• Have had an ovary removed due to a cyst or tumor.
• Have had your uterus removed.

There are three different methods that can be used for a salpingectomy:

• Open. This method involves making one large incision in your abdomen.
• Laparoscopic. This method involves using a thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera on the end (laparoscope) to help perform the procedure. The laparoscope will allow your surgeon to make several small incisions in the abdomen instead of a large incision.
• Robot-assisted: This method involves using a computer to control surgical instruments that are attached to robotic arms.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Allergic reactions to medicines.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your health care provider about hydration, which may include:

• Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking, which may include:

• 8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
• 6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
• 6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
• 2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

Medicines

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.

General instructions

• Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks before your procedure. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• You may have an exam or tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG).
• You may have a blood or urine sample taken.
• Ask your health care provider:
  • Whether you should stop removing hair from your surgical area.
  • How your surgical site will be marked or identified.
• You may be asked to shower with a germ-killing soap.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
• If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

• To reduce your risk of infection:
  • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • Hair may be removed from the surgical area.
  • Your skin will be washed with soap.
• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
• You will be given a medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic). You may also be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• A thin tube (catheter) may be inserted through your urethra and into your bladder to drain urine during your procedure.
• Depending on the type of procedure you are having, one incision or several small incisions will be made in your abdomen.
• Your fallopian tube will be cut and removed from where it attaches to your uterus.
• Your blood vessels will be clamped and tied to prevent excess bleeding.
• The incision(s) in your abdomen will be closed with stitches (sutures), staples, or skin glue.
• A bandage (dressing) may be placed over your incision(s).

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• You may continue to receive fluids and medicines through an IV tube.
• You may continue to have a catheter draining your urine.
• You may have to wear compression stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
• You will be given pain medicine as needed.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.

Summary

• Salpingectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one of the fallopian tubes.
• The procedure may be done with an open incision, with a laparoscope, or with computer-controlled instruments.
• Depending on the type of procedure you are having, one incision or several small incisions will be made in your abdomen.
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.

Salpingectomy, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After your procedure, it is common to have:

• Pain in your abdomen.
• Some occasional vaginal bleeding (spotting).
• Tiredness.

Follow these instructions at home:

Incision care

• Keep your incision area and your bandage (dressing) clean and dry.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your incision. Make sure you:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your dressing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.
  • Leave stitches (sutures), staples, skin glue, or adhesive strips in place. These skin closures may need to stay in place for 2 weeks or longer. If adhesive strip edges start to loosen and curl up, you may trim the loose edges. Do not remove adhesive strips completely unless your health care provider tells you to do that.
• Check your incision area every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • More redness, swelling, or pain.
  • More fluid or blood.
  • Warmth.
  • Pus or a bad smell.

Activity

• Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• Rest as directed by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you. You should avoid:
  • Lifting anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg) until your health care provider approves.
  • Activities that require a lot of energy.
• Until your health care provider approves:
  • Do not douche.
  • Do not use tampons.
  • Do not have sexual intercourse.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• To prevent or treat constipation while you are taking prescription pain medicine, your health care provider may recommend that you:
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
  • Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  • Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried and sweet foods.
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. You may take showers.
• Wear compression stockings as told by your health care provider. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have:
  • Pain when you urinate.
  • More redness, swelling, or pain around your incision.
  • More fluid or blood coming from your incision.
  • Pus or a bad smell coming from your incision.
  • A fever.
  • Abdominal pain that gets worse or does not get better with medicine.
• Your incision feels warm to the touch.
• Your incision starts to break open.
• You develop a rash.
• You develop nausea and vomiting.
• You feel light-headed.

Get help right away if:

• You develop pain in your chest or leg.
• You develop shortness of breath.
• You faint.
• You have increased vaginal bleeding.