Lap Salpingectomy
Salpingectomy is the surgical removal of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) fallopian tubes. Fallopian tubes allow eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. A partial salpingectomy is when you have only part of a fallopian tube removed.
Another procedure, salpingostomy (or neosalpingostomy), is when the surgeon makes an opening in the fallopian tube to remove its contents. The tube itself isn't removed.
Salpingectomy can be done alone or combined with other procedures. These include oophorectomy, hysterectomy, and cesarean section (C-section).
Salpingectomy is when only the fallopian tube or tubes are removed. Oophorectomy is removal of one or both ovaries.
When the two procedures are done at the same time, it's called a salpingectomy-oophorectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy. Depending on the reasons for the surgery, salpingo-oophorectomy is sometimes combined with hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Salpingectomy can be used to treat a variety of problems. Your doctor might recommend it if you have:
- an ectopic pregnancy
- a blocked fallopian tube
- a ruptured fallopian tube
- an infection
- fallopian tube cancer
This procedure can also be used as a method of permanent birth control.
Just before open abdominal surgery, you'll be given general anesthesia. Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive procedure. It may be performed under general or local anesthesia.
A tiny incision will be made in your lower abdomen. A laparoscope is a long tool with a light and camera on the end. It will be inserted into the incision. Your abdomen will be inflated with gas. This allows your surgeon to get a clear view of your pelvic organs on a computer screen.
Then a few additional incisions will be made. They'll be used to insert other tools to remove the fallopian tubes. These incisions will likely be less than half an inch long. Once the tubes are out, the small incisions will be closed.