
Although technically it is possible to transplant a fallopian tube, practically a successful fallopian transplant has not been performed yet. Several animal experiments and studies in both animals and humans have shown that fallopian tube transplants fail due to the attack on the transplanted tubes by the immune system of the recipient (immune rejection). Many surgeries, however, are presently being done for the reconstruction of damaged, blocked, or dysfunctional fallopian tubes, such as fallopian tube recanalization, salpingostomy, and fimbrioplasty.
What are the various fallopian tube reconstruction procedures?
Fallopian tubes are important parts of the female reproductive system. Normally, one ovary and one fallopian tube are present on each side of the uterus. A fallopian tube is a long, slender tube that connects the ovaries to the uterus. The fallopian tubes are involved in providing a passage to the eggs (ova) from the ovaries to the uterus. The process of fusion of the egg with the sperm (fertilization) also occurs inside the fallopian tubes. Thus, a blocked or damaged fallopian tube may prevent a woman from getting pregnant. Thankfully, several reconstructive procedures are available for surgically repairing a damaged or dysfunctional fallopian tube. Some of these procedures can be done using microsurgical techniques. They may be done either during open abdominal surgery or through a small incision via a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube-like instrument with a camera and light source at one end). Some of the common fallopian tube reconstructive procedures include
- Tubal reanastomosis: The procedure involves removal of the blocked or diseased portion of the fallopian tube followed by joining or anastomosis of the healthy ends. This procedure typically is used to reverse a surgical female sterilization procedure (tubal ligation). Tubal reanastomosis may also be done for repairing a damaged portion of the fallopian tubes. Tubal reanastomosis can be done during open abdominal surgery (laparotomy) or through a small incision via a laparoscope.
- Salpingostomy or neosalpingostomy: It is a surgical procedure in which the doctor creates an opening in a fallopian tube. The surgical opening is made in the part of the fallopian tube near the ovary. It may be done for the treatment of hydrosalpinx (a condition in which the fallopian tube gets blocked and swollen due to the buildup of watery fluid). The procedure carries a risk of infections and scarring. Because of the risk of scarring, the fallopian tube may get blocked again.
- Salpingectomy: Salpingectomy means the removal of part of a fallopian tube. The procedure is done to increase the chances of a successful in vitro fertilization or IVF (fertilization outside the woman’s body). Salpingectomy is done in cases where the tube has become swollen due to the collection of watery fluid, a condition called hydrosalpinx. This procedure is preferred over salpingostomy for the treatment of hydrosalpinx before an IVF.
- Fimbrioplasty: This is a surgical procedure in which the fringed ends of the fallopian tube or the fimbriae are reconstructed. Fimbrioplasty may be done when the part of the fallopian tube closest to the ovary (infundibulum) is partially blocked or scarred. This can prevent normal egg pickup from the ovary to the infundibulum.
What are the risks of a fallopian tube reconstruction surgery?
The risks may vary depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure and the general condition of the patient. Some of the risks of tubal reconstruction surgery are:
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Adhesions or scar tissue formation
- Risk of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy where the fetus develops outside the uterus)
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/640635/
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw203637
Top Can You Get a Fallopian Tube Transplant? Related Articles
Can Fallopian Tubes Grow Back After Removal?
Fallopian tube removal is effective in preventing pregnancy, but it's not entirely reliable. An estimated 1 in every 200 women will get pregnant after tubal ligation.What Is Microsporidiosis?
Microsporidiosis is an infection caused by the microsporidia parasite. The disease is uncommon in people with normal immune systems. Symptoms in people with immune deficiency include diarrhea, malabsorption, gallbladder disease, cough, labored breathing, urinary tract infection, bowel perforation and keratoconjunctivitis. Microsporidiosis treatment depends on the site of infection and the species of microsporidia involved.mycophenolate
Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent rejection of transplant organs (heart, kidney, and liver). Common side effects of mycophenolate include high or low blood pressure (hypertension or hypotension), exacerbation of hypertension, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), swelling (edema), lower extremity edema, peripheral edema, blood clot formation (thrombosis), inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol level in the blood (hypercholesterolemia), high level of blood fats (hyperlipidemia), high uric acid level in the blood (hyperuricemia), high or low blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia/hypokalemia), and others. Mycophenolate can cause fetal harm and should not be used in pregnant women. Do not use if breastfeeding.Ovarian Cancer Quiz
How common is ovarian cancer and who is at risk? Take our Ovarian Cancer Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment for this disease.Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled, sac-like structures within an ovary. Symptoms of an ovarian cysts may be:
- Pain in the belly or pelvis
- A feeling for the need to have a bowel movement
- Urgency to urinate
- Pain during intercourse.
There are a variety of causes and types of ovarian cysts, and treatment depends upon type of cyst.
Ovarian Cysts
What is an ovarian cyst? Ovarian cyst types vary, and they can cause many symptoms, including abdominal pain. Discover how to tell if you have a ruptured ovarian cyst.What Are Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Picture
Polcystic ovary syndrome is a condition in women characterized by irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. See a Illustration of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and learn more about the health topic.What Is the Function of the Ovary?
The ovaries release at least one egg each month for possible fertilization. Ovaries are an important part of the female reproductive system and they produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.