Laparoscopic Salpingostomy

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Salpingostomy is a procedure in which the contents of the fallopian tubes are removed by making an opening. Fallopian tubes allow the travel of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This procedure is often carried out in combination with other procedures like oophorectomy, cesarean section, and hysterectomy.

At the Apollo Cradle Kondapur, we have a team of experienced and qualified professionals who have dealt with several successful Laparoscopic Salpingostomy procedures. With our top of the line technology and dedicated team of professionals, we are able to provide the best to our patients.

Who must get a Laparoscopic Salpingostomy?

There are several conditions that might be treated using the Salpingostomy:

  1. The fallopian tubes are used to carry an egg from the ovaries to the uterus. Present above exterior side of the uterus, it is in the fallopian tubes that egg and the sperm meet and fertilizes. The egg will be transferred from the fallopian tubes to the uterus through small channels where they get implanted into the lining of the uterus in case of normal pregnancy. In some cases, this fertilized egg gets implanted anywhere outside the uterus. This is known as ectopic or tubal pregnancy. In about 95% of cases of the ectopic pregnancies, the fertilized egg gets implanted in the fallopian tubes. In the remaining cases, it is implanted in cervix, ovaries, abdomen or the uterine muscle.

As the pregnancy progresses, the fallopian tubes will start getting ruptured as they will be unable to contain the growing embryo. This will result in hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding) and cause an emergency.

If the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed before the tubes get ruptures, the situation can be handled medically by taking a drug called methotrexate that targets the fetal cells preventing the further growth of the fetus. However, if medications don’t work, surgery might be the only option.  So, to remove the ectopic pregnancy, a salpingostomy is performed.

  1. This procedure is also performed on a woman to restore fertility after the fallopian tubes are damaged. This damage can be caused by the adhesions used in the surgery.
  2. A salpingostomy can also be performed in this condition named hydrosalpinx where the fallopian tubes get filled with fluid and become blocked. The procedure will create a new tube opening named as tubal ostium.
  3. Salpingostomy is also performed on women with fallopian tube cancer. This condition is more common in women with BRCA gene mutations.
  4. Some women use this procedure as permanent birth control.

Before the procedure

Your surgeon will discuss the procedure with you and provide pre- and post-op instructions. These may vary depending on whether you’ll have open abdominal surgery or laparoscopic surgery. That is determined by factors such as the reason for the surgery, your age, and your general health.

Here are a few things to consider before surgery:

  •    Plan your transportation home. When you leave the hospital, you may still be groggy from anesthesia and your abdomen may be sore.
  •    Bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to wear home.
  •    If you take medications, ask your doctor if you should take them on the day of surgery.
  •    Ask your doctor how long you should fast before surgery.

During the procedure

  •    First, you will be given general anesthesia before the procedure starts.
  •    A small incision, about 4 inches long, will be made on your lower abdomen. The incision will be made at such a place so that fallopian tubes are visible and can be removed from the incision.
  •    Once the procedure is completed, the incision will be closed with staples or stitches.
  •    In the laparoscopic salpingostomy, a laparoscope is used. It is a long tool with a camera and a light on the end. It is then inserted into the incision. Before the procedure, the abdomen will be inflated with gas. This will give your surgeon a clear view of your organs on the screen.

After the surgery

After the procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery room. You might have some soreness, nausea, and mild pain.

You won’t be released until you can stand up and empty your bladder.

Recovery

Before you resume normal, day-to-day activities, make sure that you follow the doctor’s recommendations. Avoid strenuous exercises and heavy lifting for at least a week. Call a doctor immediately if you witness any of the following:

  •    Can’t empty your bladder
  •    Nausea
  •    Worsening pain
  •    Fever and chills
  •    Redness and swelling around incisions
  •    Foul smelling discharge
  •    Unexpected heavy vaginal bleeding

Incisions from laparoscopic surgery heal quicker than the abdominal surgery. But still, you won’t fully recover before 2 to 4 weeks. In the case of abdominal surgery, this time is 3 to 6 weeks. The advantage of laparoscopic salpingostomy is that it is less invasive, less painful and takes less time to recover.

For the recovery process to work, you need to take ample rest. Get someone to help you with your daily activities. You can also hire someone to help you. You will have to take a couple of weeks off from work. Do not get involved in sexual activities for at least a week.

The good thing about the laparoscopic procedures is that the incision is small and it gets healed quickly. So, you would soon you will be left with a faded scar.

The overall outlook of the Laparoscopic Salpingostomy is good. If your uterus and ovaries are still intact, you will continue to have menstrual periods. Also, if you had just one fallopian tube removed, you are not infertile. You still need contraception. However, if both the tubes are removed, it means that you won’t be able to conceive a child and thus, doesn’t need contraception. If you still have your uterus, you might be able to use in vitro fertilization to carry a baby. So, before you go through the procedure, make sure that you discuss your fertility plans with your doctor.