Fallopian Surgery is the Prescribed Treatment for Many Conditions

There are several conditions, including infections, disease, and cancer that could require fallopian tube surgery for treatment.  Here are some of the reasons that may necessitate fallopian tube surgery. If you are concerned about any of the following conditions, be sure to contact your doctor.

Blockage of the fallopian tube(s) can result from pelvic infection, sexually transmitted disease, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects, endometriosis, fibroids, prior surgery, or scar tissue. Besides affecting fertility, blocked fallopian tubes can lead to abdominal or pelvic pain and vaginal discharge. This condition often requires surgery.

Hydrosalpinx is a blocked and fluid-filled fallopian tube. It can be caused by infection, sexually transmitted diseases, prior surgeries, adhesions, endometriosis, or a ruptured appendix. A salpingostomy (procedure to open a blocked tube) may be done, but salpingectomy (removal of the tube) is more generally recommended as a permanent solution.

Hematosalpinx (a fallopian tube filled with blood) may also require surgical intervention. This condition may occur as the result of a tubal or ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, tubal carcinoma, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fallopian tube torsion, pelvic trauma, or retrograde menstruation.

Pyosalpinx (a tube filled with pus). This condition typically occurs as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) but may also be the result of other infections.

Following an endometrial ablation to treat various uterine conditions, pregnancy can be dangerous. As a preventative measure, some doctors recommend some type of permanent birth control through surgery involving the fallopian tubes. These can include tubal ligation, salpingectomy, or Essure.

Studies have indicated that ovarian cancer may begin within the fallopian tubes, so women who are at greater risk for ovarian cancer may choose to prophylactically remove both fallopian tubes either separately or along with removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy).  In addition, some doctors recommend any women having a hysterectomy have her fallopian tubes removed because of the possible link to ovarian cancer.

Following a complete hysterectomy, a fallopian tube may prolapse into the healing vaginal cuff or through a vaginal fistula.  Depending on symptoms and the extent of the prolapse, this painful condition may require surgical treatment. At times, only the exposed tube needs to be removed, but in other cases the entire tube may need to be removed along with any adhesions.

Surgery involving the fallopian tubes is most often done during a minimally invasive surgery such as alaparoscopy.  However, extensive adhesions or a cancer concern could necessitate a laparotomy and larger incision. Fallopian tube surgery may be done before or after a hysterectomy, and along with or separately from a hysterectomy or oophorectomy. As with any surgery, seeking a second opinion before going into the operating room is highly recommended.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com and published here by permission. See the original content here: Fallopian Tubes and Surgery.