Intermediate
Technical
IVT
salpingectomy
Pronunciation: sal-pin-JEK-tuh-mee
Surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes.
Full Definition
Surgical procedure involving removal of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) fallopian tubes. Performed for various indications including ectopic pregnancy, tubal disease, ovarian cancer risk reduction, permanent sterilization, or as part of ovarian cancer treatment. Bilateral salpingectomy with ovarian conservation is increasingly preferred over tubal ligation for sterilization due to reduced ovarian cancer risk. May be performed via laparoscopic, robotic, or open approaches. Important to distinguish from salpingo-oophorectomy which includes ovary removal.
Usage
Usage note: Specify unilateral or bilateral; distinguish from salpingo-oophorectomy in documentation.
In Context
- "Bilateral salpingectomy was performed for permanent sterilization." — Surgical report
- "Right salpingectomy was necessary due to ruptured ectopic pregnancy." — Emergency operative note
Also known as
tubal removal
Contrasted with
salpingoplasty
tubal repair
Don't confuse with
salpingo-oophorectomy
salpingostomy