What Is Laparoscopic Salpingostomy?

Laparoscopic salpingostomy may be used to remove an ectopic pregnancy.

The fallopian tubes are responsible for carrying an egg from the ovaries to the uterus, and they are also where the egg and sperm meet and fertilize. In normal pregnancies, the fertilized egg is moved from the fallopian tubes to the uterus where it gets implanted into the lining of the uterus. 

In some cases, however, the fertilized egg gets implanted outside the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy or tubal pregnancy. If it is too late for medications, surgery may be the only option. Laparoscopic salpingostomy is done when an ectopic pregnancy is unruptured and measures more than 4 cm in an ultrasound imaging.

Laparoscopic salpingostomy can also be performed in the following cases:

• Restoring fertility after the fallopian tubes are damaged due to adhesions or blockages
• Treatment of hydrosalpinx, which is a condition in which the fallopian tubes become filled with fluid and blocked
• Treatment of fallopian tube cancer (more common in women with BRCA gene mutation).
• As a method of permanent birth control

Before the procedure

Before the surgery, your doctor will give you pre-and post-procedure instructions. This may include:

• Whether or not you have to fast before the procedure, and for how long
• Whether or not you have to stop taking your current medications before or after the surgery
• Planning transportation to and from the hospital
• Bringing loose, comfortable clothing to wear home

During the surgery

• First, you will be administered general anesthesia.
• A small incision, approximately 4 inches long, will be made on your lower abdomen. The cut will be made at such a place that the fallopian tubes are visible and can be operated on through the incision.
• In laparoscopic salpingostomy, a laparoscope is utilized. The abdomen will first be inflated with gas, which will help the surgeon get a clear view of organs on the screen, and the laparoscope is inserted into the incision.
• After the surgery, the incision will be closed with staples or stitches and a sterile bandage will be applied.

After the surgery

Post-surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room for symptoms, such as irritation, nausea, and pain. You will not be discharged until you can stand up and empty your bladder.

The benefit of laparoscopic salpingostomy is that it is less invasive and has a faster rate of recovery. Although the incision from laparoscopic surgery heals faster than that of open abdominal surgery, however, it may take up to 2-3 weeks for full recovery. 

Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions. Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities and physically demanding work for at least 7 days. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:

• Inability to empty your bladder
• Nausea
• Worsening pain
• Fever and chills
• Redness and swelling around the incision
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Heavy vaginal bleeding