Side Effects of Tubalectomy

A tubalectomy, medically known as a salpingectomy, is a surgery to remove one or both fallopian tubes 2. Salpingectomies are performed for many reasons including fallopian tube infection, ectopic pregnancy or to decrease the risks of ovarian cancer when done in conjunction with ovary removal, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Side effects of a tubalectomy include general surgical complications, but can also be specific to the reason behind the surgery.

Bleeding and Infection

Bleeding and infection are the main side effects of any surgery, including salpingectomy, notes the website MD Guidelines 2. The risk for infection should decrease if the reason for having the surgery was a fallopian tube infection, or salpingitis. Bleeding is usually an early complication, observed prior to leaving the hospital. Sometimes, however, over-exertion, poor diet or medications can elicit a bleed during the recovery time at home.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Salpingectomy Side Effects

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A 2006 study by X.H. Meng and Y.M. Zhu published in the "Journal of Zhejiang University," showed that a salpingectomy does not affect female hormone production 24. The salpingectomy may set the stage for repeat ectopic pregnancies, however 2. Dr. Shayne Plosker, a fertility specialist with University of South Florida, states that there is a 15 percent increased chance of suffering repeat ectopic pregnancies with the surgery.

Pneumonia

The fallopian tube, or tubes, are removed under general anesthesia. The anesthesia and the recovery period can invite a host of respiratory effects most notably pneumonia. This side effect of salpingectomy is usually preventable, with use of aggressive recovery techniques and use of an incentive spirometer to exercise lung capacity immediately post operative, according to MD Guidelines 23.