Laparoscopic Bilateral Salpingectomy
Permanent contraception by completely removing both fallopian tubes—small incisions, quick recovery, and no hormonal change.
Laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy removes both fallopian tubes through tiny incisions, providing permanent, non-hormonal contraception. Because the tubes are removed rather than clipped or cauterized, future tubal pregnancy is essentially eliminated. Many patients choose salpingectomy over traditional ligation methods for definitive contraception and its potential risk-reduction advantages for certain ovarian cancers. Ovaries and hormones are not removed.
Fast Facts About Salpingectomy
Permanent and non-hormonal; not reversible
Outpatient minimally invasive surgery with small incisions
Removes tubes entirely—no device left in place
Eliminates risk of future tubal pregnancies
Does not remove ovaries or change hormones/periods
Who It May Help
- Patients confident they do not want future pregnancy
- Those preferring a non-hormonal, one-time procedure
- Patients seeking to avoid a residual tubal failure risk
- Individuals combining sterilization with another laparoscopy
How It Works
After anesthesia, the abdomen is gently inflated with CO₂ and a camera is inserted through a small umbilical incision. Fine instruments free each fallopian tube from the mesosalpinx and uterine cornua, then the tubes are removed through the small port sites. Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures or skin adhesive. Most patients go home the same day.
Candidacy & Alternatives
Good candidates are certain about permanent contraception and are appropriate for minimally invasive surgery. Alternatives include laparoscopic tubal ligation (clips, bands, or cautery), long-acting reversible contraception (IUDs or implant), and partner vasectomy. If there is any uncertainty about future fertility, a reversible method may be a better fit.
Salpingectomy vs. Other Options
Bilateral Salpingectomy
- Permanent; removes tubes completely
- No device left in the body
- Eliminates tubal pregnancy risk
- Potential risk-reduction advantages for certain ovarian cancers
Tubal Ligation (Clips/Bands/Cautery)
- Permanent; closes a segment of the tube
- Small lifetime failure risk remains
- Quicker instrument time in some cases
- Does not remove tubes
LARC (IUD/Implant)
- Highly effective and reversible
- No surgery; office placement
- Method-specific side effects possible
- Best if future pregnancy might be desired
What to Expect
Plan to spend a few hours at the surgery center. Mild abdominal soreness, bloating, and shoulder-tip gas pain are common for 24–72 hours. Many patients return to desk work in 2–5 days and resume exercise after clearance—often ~1–2 weeks. Use backup contraception up to the day of surgery as advised.
Safety & Considerations
Typical effects include temporary soreness, bloating, and light spotting. Uncommon risks include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs or blood vessels, anesthesia events, or need to convert to an open approach. Because this is intended to be permanent, we confirm informed consent and review reversible alternatives beforehand. Since ovaries are not removed, salpingectomy does not directly change hormones or cause menopause.
Before Your Visit
- ✓Confirm that permanent contraception aligns with your long-term plans
- ✓Discuss timing with your cycle and any concurrent procedures
- ✓Follow fasting and medication instructions from anesthesia
- ✓Arrange a ride home and light support for 24 hours
- ✓Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact exercise until cleared post-op
Frequently Asked Questions
1Will this affect my hormones or menstrual cycle?
No. The ovaries and uterus are not removed, so salpingectomy does not directly affect hormones or cause menopause. Most patients do not notice hormonal changes due to the procedure itself.
2Is salpingectomy reversible?
It is intended to be permanent. Because the tubes are removed, reversal is not possible. If there is any uncertainty, consider a reversible option such as an IUD or implant.
3How does this differ from tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation closes a segment of the tube but leaves the tube in place; a small lifetime failure risk remains. Salpingectomy removes the tubes entirely, which also eliminates the risk of future tubal pregnancy.
4What is recovery like?
Most patients go home the same day, experience 2–3 days of soreness and bloating, and return to light activities within a few days. Exercise and heavier lifting typically resume after ~1–2 weeks with clearance.
5Are there non-surgical options just as effective?
LARC methods (hormonal or copper IUDs and the implant) are highly effective and reversible. Partner vasectomy is another low-risk, highly effective alternative.
6Can this be done with another procedure?
Yes. Salpingectomy is often combined with other laparoscopic procedures when clinically appropriate to minimize total recovery time.
Confident You Want Permanent, Non-Hormonal Contraception?
We'll confirm that bilateral salpingectomy aligns with your goals, review alternatives, and plan a precise laparoscopic approach with a smooth recovery.
Book an Appointment