Salpingectomy: Understanding Fallopian Tube Removal Surgery
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is a salpingectomy?
A salpingectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one or both fallopian tubes. It treats ectopic pregnancy, infection, blockage, endometriosis or tubal cancer and is also used for permanent birth control or to lower ovarian cancer risk. [1] Most are done laparoscopically. Removing both tubes prevents natural pregnancy, but periods and hormone production generally continue. [1]
What the research says
Observational studies link salpingectomy to a large drop in ovarian cancer risk. A systematic review of 158 publications concluded that salpingectomy has been associated with an ovarian cancer risk reduction of approximately 80%, that it was safe and cost-effective, and that it was not associated with an earlier age of menopause. The authors estimated that wide implementation could reduce US ovarian cancer deaths by about 15% and called for prospective studies (Kahn et al., JAMA Surg, 2023 [2]).
Not every study shows a clear effect yet. In an Ontario cohort of 131,516 women (32,879 with salpingectomy), there were 31 ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancers (0.09%) in the salpingectomy group and 117 (0.12%) in matched controls, a hazard ratio of 0.82 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.21) that was not statistically significant. The authors noted few cases and a mean follow-up of only about 7.4 years (Giannakeas et al., JAMA Netw Open, 2023 [3]).
Ovarian reserve does not appear to drop in the short term. A meta-analysis of 15 studies found no significant change in anti-Müllerian hormone (mean difference −0.07 ng/mL, 95% CI −0.18 to 0.05), antral follicle count, FSH, LH, or estradiol after opportunistic salpingectomy. No studies had looked at age at menopause, so longer-term data are still needed (Gelderblom et al., Maturitas, 2022 [4]).
What Is a Salpingectomy?
The fallopian tubes are a pair of ducts between the ovaries and the uterus. They let an egg travel from the ovary toward the uterus, where it can meet sperm for fertilization. A salpingectomy removes one or both of them. [1]
Type | What Is Removed and Effect on Fertility |
|---|---|
Unilateral (partial) | One fallopian tube, or part of one tube, is removed. You can still get pregnant if the other tube works. Common for ectopic pregnancy or a blockage in one tube. [1] |
Bilateral (total) | Both fallopian tubes are removed. Natural pregnancy is very unlikely afterward. Common for fallopian tube cancer or permanent contraception. [1] |
Why is a salpingectomy performed?
A salpingectomy can treat conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, cancer, infection or damaged tubes, or serve as permanent birth control or cancer prevention.
Ectopic pregnancy: Removing the tube can be life-saving if an embryo implants outside the uterus. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is an emergency. [1]
Cancer: Treatment of cancer of the fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovaries. [1]
Infection, endometriosis, blocked or damaged tubes: To relieve symptoms or remove diseased tubes. [1]
Permanent birth control: A form of sterilization.
Cancer prevention: Some of the more severe forms of ovarian cancer often begin in the fallopian tubes, so removing them is one of the risk-reducing options for people at higher risk, especially those with BRCA gene mutations. [1] For more about this disease, see our ovarian cancer guide.
What surgical methods are used for salpingectomy?
Surgeons use one of two approaches. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred because it is less invasive, with a shorter recovery and lower risk of complications, but an open approach may be needed depending on other factors. [1]
Laparoscopic salpingectomy: A thin instrument with a light and camera goes in through a small cut in the abdomen, and the abdomen is inflated with gas so the surgeon can see the uterus and tubes. Other small incisions allow instruments to remove the tubes. It usually takes about an hour or less. [1] Learn more in our guide to minimally invasive surgery.
Open abdominal salpingectomy (laparotomy): One larger incision across the abdomen gives direct access. It can take several hours. [1]
What is recovery and aftercare like after a salpingectomy?
After surgery you go to a recovery room for monitoring. After laparoscopic surgery you may go home the same day. After open surgery you usually stay overnight. Pain medicine helps with discomfort, and you should expect to need several days of rest. [1]
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and anything that strains your abdomen for at least two to six weeks, depending on the surgery. [1] Follow your surgeon’s advice about sex, driving, showering, and returning to work.
Call your provider if you notice: swelling or redness at the incision, fluid or pus leaking from it, pelvic pain, swelling or pain in your legs (a sign of a blood clot), fever or chills, or painful urination. [1]
What are the long-term health effects of a salpingectomy?
After a salpingectomy, periods continue and menopause is not likely because the ovaries stay in place, but removing both tubes makes natural pregnancy very unlikely. [1]
Periods: Your tubes do not control your period, so you will continue to have periods. [1]
Hormones and menopause: Your ovaries make most of your hormones and are left in place, so menopause is not likely. Temporary hormone fluctuations are possible, especially if you had surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. [1] A systematic review of 48 publications found that for most indications ovarian reserve is not affected (Kotlyar et al., J Minim Invasive Gynecol, 2017 [5]).
Fertility: Bilateral removal means natural pregnancy is very unlikely, but if you still have a uterus you may be able to use IVF. [1] After a unilateral salpingectomy you can still conceive with the other tube. [1]
Eggs: Eggs released by the ovaries are generally reabsorbed by the body. [1]
Risks: bleeding at the surgery site, a reaction to general anesthesia, blood clots, damage to surrounding organs and tissues, and infection. [1]
Conclusion
Salpingectomy treats emergencies and chronic tube problems, and it can be a preventive option for people at higher risk of ovarian cancer. Evidence on cancer prevention is promising but still developing. Work closely with your surgical team to understand which type is recommended for you and what recovery will look like.
What are the next steps if you are considering a salpingectomy?
Before a salpingectomy you will meet with your provider to discuss the risks and benefits. Arrange transportation home, and prepare a place to rest for the first few days. Follow all post-operative instructions, including restrictions on heavy lifting and sexual activity, for a safe recovery.
Trusted resources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Gynecologic Oncology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still have periods after a salpingectomy?
Yes. Your fallopian tubes are not responsible for your period, so periods continue. If they stop after surgery, contact your healthcare provider.
Does salpingectomy cause early menopause?
Your tubes do not make hormones (your ovaries do most of that), so menopause is not likely. A meta-analysis of 15 studies found no significant short-term change in ovarian reserve markers, although no studies had looked at age at menopause.
Can I still get pregnant after a bilateral salpingectomy?
Natural pregnancy is very unlikely, and you should contact a provider right away if you have early pregnancy symptoms. If you still have your uterus, IVF is possible. After a unilateral salpingectomy, you can still conceive if your remaining tube works.
How long does a laparoscopic salpingectomy take?
About an hour or possibly less. An open abdominal operation can take several hours.
Is salpingectomy the same as having your tubes tied?
Not exactly. “Tubal ligation” is the broad term for any procedure that interrupts the tubes, and it includes partial or total salpingectomy as well as clips, bands, or cautery. Nothing is actually tied in most cases. Salpingectomy removes the tube itself.
Why is salpingectomy used for cancer prevention?
Some of the more severe forms of ovarian cancer often begin in the fallopian tubes. Removing the tubes may lower the risk, especially for people with BRCA gene mutations.
What is the main risk of the surgery?
As with most surgeries: bleeding, a reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, damage to nearby organs and tissues, and infection.
When can I return to work?
After a laparoscopic salpingectomy, many people recover within a few days and resume their usual routine within about 14 days. You can return to work when you feel able, sometimes with temporary modifications. Open surgery takes longer.
Will I have large scars?
Laparoscopic surgery uses a few small incisions, which usually leave minimal scarring. Open surgery uses one larger incision across the abdomen.
What happens to the eggs after the tubes are removed?
In most cases the egg dissolves and your body reabsorbs it, as happens in any cycle where you do not become pregnant.
Is salpingectomy an emergency surgery?
Salpingectomy can be. A salpingectomy for an ectopic pregnancy is considered a life-threatening emergency, and the tube needs to be removed as soon as possible.
Can I exercise after surgery?
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and anything that strains your abdomen for at least two to six weeks, depending on the type of surgery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Do I need to stay in the hospital?
After laparoscopic surgery you may be able to go home the same day. After an open salpingectomy you typically stay overnight.
What is a unilateral salpingectomy?
The removal of one fallopian tube, or part of one tube. It is common for ectopic pregnancy or a blockage in just one tube.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
That depends on the condition being treated. For example, other options may exist for some tubal problems or for contraception. Discuss every option with your provider.
Related Reading
Tubal Ligation: Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Effectiveness explains tube-tying sterilization and how it compares with removal.
Ectopic Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment describes pregnancy outside the uterus, a common reason for salpingectomy.
Understanding Hydrosalpinx: Causes, Symptoms, and Fertility Impact explains a fluid-blocked fallopian tube and its effect on fertility.
Oophorectomy: Types, Reasons, Recovery and Life After Ovary Removal covers ovary removal surgery, sometimes done alongside salpingectomy.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Salpingectomy. Cleveland Clinic. May 24, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21879-salpingectomy
Kahn RM, Gordhandas S, Godwin K, et al. Salpingectomy for the primary prevention of ovarian cancer: a systematic review. JAMA Surg. 2023;158(11):1204-1211. PMID 37672283. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2023.4164
Giannakeas V, Murji A, Lipscombe LL, et al. Salpingectomy and the risk of ovarian cancer in Ontario. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(8):e2327198. PMID 37566421. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.27198
Gelderblom ME, IntHout J, Dagovic L, et al. The effect of opportunistic salpingectomy for primary prevention of ovarian cancer on ovarian reserve: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas. 2022;166:21-34. PMID 36030627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.08.002
Kotlyar A, Gingold J, Shue S, et al. The effect of salpingectomy on ovarian function. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2017;24(4):563-578. PMID 28223181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmig.2017.02.014
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
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