salpingectomy
Pronunciation: sal-pin-JEK-toh-mee
Surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes.
Full Definition
Salpingectomy is a surgical procedure involving the complete removal of one or both fallopian tubes. This procedure may be performed for various indications including ectopic pregnancy, tubal disease, prophylactic cancer reduction in high-risk patients (such as BRCA carriers), or as part of sterilization. Bilateral salpingectomy removes both fallopian tubes, while unilateral salpingectomy removes only one tube. The procedure can be performed via laparoscopic (minimally invasive) or open surgical approaches. Recent evidence suggests that bilateral salpingectomy for sterilization may reduce ovarian cancer risk, as many ovarian cancers are now believed to originate in the fallopian tubes.
Usage
Usage note: Specify unilateral or bilateral when documenting the procedure.
In Context
- "Bilateral salpingectomy was performed for ovarian cancer risk reduction." — operative report
- "The patient underwent laparoscopic right salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy." — procedure summary