What is a fimbriectomy also known as?

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Fimbriectomy: Surgical Terminology and Context

Fimbriectomy is also known as partial salpingectomy or distal tubal excision, referring specifically to the surgical removal of the fimbrial (distal) end of the fallopian tube. 1

Definition and Anatomical Context

  • Fimbriectomy involves excision of the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube, which is the finger-like projections at the distal end responsible for ovum pickup from the ovary 2
  • This procedure removes the infundibulum with its fimbrial structures while leaving the proximal tubal segments intact 3
  • The fimbriae are the terminal structures of the fallopian tube that facilitate oocyte capture during ovulation 4

Historical Use as Sterilization Method

  • Fimbriectomy was historically utilized as a permanent sterilization technique (Kroener fimbriectomy), though it has largely been replaced by other methods 1, 3
  • The procedure was considered irreversible for many years, though microsurgical reversal techniques have been developed with intrauterine pregnancy rates of approximately 44% after reconstruction 3
  • Modern sterilization now favors complete bilateral salpingectomy or tubal ligation techniques over isolated fimbriectomy 1

Distinction from Complete Salpingectomy

  • Complete salpingectomy removes the entire fallopian tube including the proximal isthmus but not the interstitial portion, whereas fimbriectomy only removes the distal fimbrial end 5
  • Bilateral salpingectomy (removal of entire tubes) is now preferred for sterilization due to the added benefit of reducing ovarian cancer risk, particularly high-grade serous carcinomas that often originate from the distal fallopian tube epithelium 2, 1

Clinical Relevance

  • The success of fimbriectomy as sterilization depends more on complete ampullary occlusion than on absence of the fimbrial structures themselves 3
  • Tubal ligation that preserves the fimbrial end is associated with reduced epithelial proliferation and quiescence in the distal fallopian tube, which may explain the protective effect against ovarian cancer 2

References

2
Research

Tubal Ligation Induces Quiescence in the Epithelia of the Fallopian Tube Fimbria.

Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 2015

3
Research

Reversal of Kroener fimbriectomy sterilization.

American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 1980

4
Research

Laparoscopic tuboplasty for mild distal tubal disease.

Fertility and sterility, 2020

5
Research

Salpingectomy.

Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America, 1991

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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