From the Guidelines
A salpingectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both fallopian tubes, which can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 80%–90% and is typically performed in 30 minutes to 2 hours. The procedure is commonly performed to treat ectopic pregnancies, remove damaged or infected fallopian tubes, or as a preventive measure against ovarian cancer, as suggested by the ESMO clinical practice guidelines for cancer prevention and screening 1. Some key points to consider about salpingectomy include:
- The duration of the procedure can vary depending on whether it's performed laparoscopically or through open surgery, and whether it's done alongside other procedures.
- Recovery time also varies, with patients usually staying in the hospital for 1-2 days after open surgery or potentially going home the same day after laparoscopic surgery.
- Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery or 4-6 weeks after open surgery.
- Complete internal healing takes approximately 4-6 weeks, as noted in general surgical principles. The procedure is considered permanent and will affect fertility by preventing eggs from traveling from the ovary to the uterus through the removed tube(s), though if one tube remains intact, natural conception may still be possible, as supported by the principles of reproductive medicine 1. It's essential to consider the patient's preferences, family history, and mutation type when deciding on the age for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), which should be carried out at age 35–40, according to the guidelines 1. Additionally, there is growing interest in risk-reducing salpingectomy in the high-risk population, given the increasing evidence suggesting that ovarian cancer originates in the fimbria or fallopian tubes 1.
From the Research
Definition of Salphingectomy
- Salpingectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both fallopian tubes [ 2 ].
- It is often performed as a method of sterilization, and has been shown to be as safe and efficacious as tubal ligation [ 2 ].
Duration of Salphingectomy Procedure
- The duration of a salpingectomy procedure can vary, but it has been reported to take approximately 15 minutes longer than a tubal ligation procedure [ 3 ].
- The total operative time for a salpingectomy procedure has been reported to be around 75 minutes [ 3 ].
Comparison with Other Sterilization Methods
- Salpingectomy has been compared to other sterilization methods, such as tubal ligation and hysteroscopic occlusion, and has been shown to have similar surgical outcomes and long-term success rates [ 4 ].
- However, salpingectomy has the advantage of reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, making it a preferential method when feasible [ 4 ].