Salpingectomy Procedure

A salpingectomy is a serious surgical procedure done on the female reproductive system. There are many reasons why someone might need to have a salpingectomy, ranging from voluntary to doctor recommended.

What Is a Salpingectomy?

The salpingectomy is the removal of one or both fallopian tubes, which serve as pathways for eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus during the reproductive process.

Why Is This Procedure Done?

There are a variety of reasons why someone might have a salpingectomy procedure. One reason an individual might choose to have a salpingectomy procedure voluntarily is as a form of permanent contraception. Since eggs can no longer reach the uterus, a person’s chances of getting pregnant will be eliminated.

How To Prepare For the Procedure

Prior to your salpingectomy procedure, your attending physician will sit you down to discuss all the important details on how to prepare yourself and what to expect during surgery. 

This may include fasting, or restricting any food or beverage consumption, for several hours (usually 8 to 12 hours) before your scheduled operation. If you are currently taking any supplements or prescription drugs, such as NSAIDs, anticoagulant drugs, ibuprofen or aspirin, you may be advised to stop them for a few days in advance in order to avoid encountering any potential complication that could increase your risk of serious bleeding or hinder the healthy healing of your surgical wound. In some cases, you may be required to get a urine test, blood test, CT-scan, or ultrasound before your actual salpingectomy procedure.

Pre-surgery preparation may vary depending on a lot of factors, such as your age, the particular reason for surgery, and the overall condition of your health. However,  make sure that you have taken care of the following items beforehand.

• Arrange for your ride home.
  A salpingectomy procedure involves the use of general anesthesia. This means you may still feel groggy, sore, and unfit to drive yourself home after surgery. Ask a family member or a close friend to accompany you or at least pick you up.

• Pack your hospital bag with essentials.
  Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes, a pair of underwear, and shoes for you to change into when you’ve been discharged and cleared to go home. A loose-fitting, button-down dress would be nice for easy changing. Do not forget to bring a jacket or a coat to keep you warm.

On the day of your surgery, take a nice long bath or shower before going to the hospital. Skip the lotions, moisturizers, or make up for that day. Do not wear any jewelry. Remove nail polish. If you have any questions, specific concerns, or second thoughts, do not hesitate to speak out and ask your doctor about it. Clearing your mind will help you immensely in preparing emotionally for your salpingectomy procedure.

Salpingectomy Recovery

After your salpingectomy procedure, which can last at least 45 minutes up to an hour, depending on each individual case, you will be taken out of the operating room and transferred to your hospital’s recovery room. 

You will be closely monitored while your doctor and nurses wait for the effects of the anesthesia to wear off, which could take anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. Once you’ve regained your consciousness, you may expect to feel a bit nauseated and have soreness or numbness around the lower abdomen where the incision is. 

A salpingectomy may be done as an outpatient procedure. But your doctor will check whether you are already strong enough to stand on your own or have emptied your bladder without issues before giving you the clearance to be discharged. 

For swift and successful recovery, you may be advised to rest and refrain from doing any form of physical activity, especially lifting heavy objects, for several days up to weeks, depending on the severity of your condition. With sufficient amounts of quality sleep at night and a nourishing diet, you will be able to bounce back before you know it and go back to your usual routine at home or at work. This is mostly true for salpingectomy patients who have no other underlying medical condition.

On the other hand, be vigilant about some red flags that could indicate infection or complication. These include:

• Getting fevers and chills
• Any discharge, redness, or swelling in your surgical wound 
• Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding unrelated to menstruation
• Painfulness or other issues when urinating 
• Excessive pain or nauseousness

If you feel any of these side effects any time after your salpingectomy procedure, please contact your doctor immediately.

Can a Salpingectomy Be Reversed?

Unlike tubal ligation, which cuts or ties up the fallopian tubes, a salpingectomy procedure is completely irreversible. Once the fallopian tubes have been removed, there is no way to put them back. 

As the results of salpingectomy procedures are permanent and unchangeable, it is best to have an honest discussion first with your doctor about your personal position when it comes to fertility and whether there are other available solutions for your case.

Find out More Information About Salpingectomies

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital in Michigan. To learn more about the salpingectomy procedure and the different medical services we offer, please contact us today! We’ll gladly arrange a consultation for you with one of our expert doctors.