Dr Sam Holford demonstrating the Mirena IUS with a model

Salpingectomy and Oophorectomy

Salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tube) and oophorectomy (removal of the ovary) are surgeries performed for a range of gynaecological conditions. These may be done separately or together, and either on one or both sides.

I commonly perform these surgeries laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), allowing for faster recovery and less postoperative pain. If you’re considering or have been recommended one of these procedures, this page will help you understand what to expect.

Salpingectomy may be suggested for:

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled damaged tubes affecting fertility)
  • Risk-reducing surgery in those with a BRCA mutation or strong family history of ovarian cancer
  • Sterilisation (as an alternative to tubal ligation, with potential added cancer prevention benefit)
  • As part of hysterectomy, to reduce future cancer risk
Anatomy of the uterus, ovary, and tubes.
The ovaries have two main jobs: they produce and release eggs for reproduction, and they make the key female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The fallopian tubes then act as the channel to catch the released egg and transport it to the uterus, which is also the place where an egg is typically fertilised by sperm.

When is oophorectomy considered?

Oophorectomy may be advised when:

  • There is a large ovarian cyst or mass
  • You have recurrent or painful cysts
  • There’s a suspected or confirmed ovarian malignancy
  • You’re having risk-reducing surgery for hereditary cancer (e.g. BRCA)
  • The ovary is severely affected by endometriosis or torsion
  • You’re undergoing hysterectomy for gynaecological cancer or severe disease
  • Opportunistically at the time of surgery over the age of 50 per RANZCOG guidelines

Where possible, I aim to preserve healthy ovaries, especially in younger patients. However, if the ovary is non-functional or significantly abnormal, removal may be safest.

Surgical approach

I usually perform these procedures via laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery:

  • 2–4 small abdominal incisions are used
  • A camera and fine instruments allow precise removal
  • In most cases, you can go home the same day

Both salpingectomy and oophorectomy may be done on one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) sides, depending on your situation and goals.

What happens to hormone levels?

If both ovaries are removed (bilateral oophorectomy), your body’s production of oestrogen and progesterone stops, and you’ll enter surgical menopause. This may cause:

  • Hot flushes
  • Mood changes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Reduced libido
  • Bone density changes over time

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is often recommended unless contraindicated.

If one ovary remains, your hormone levels generally remain stable, and most people continue to ovulate and have periods (unless a hysterectomy is also performed).

Removing only the tubes (salpingectomy) has no effect on hormones or periods.

3D render of a uterus, ovary, and tube.
The fimbriae, which are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes, gently sweep to catch a mature egg released from the ovary during ovulation. The fallopian tubes then serve as the passageway, using tiny internal hairs (cilia) and muscle contractions to transport the egg toward the uterus, which is also where fertilisation by sperm typically occurs.

Recovery

Most people recover quickly after laparoscopic salpingectomy or oophorectomy:

  • You’ll likely go home same day or after one night
  • Mild cramping and bloating is common
  • You may feel tired for a week or two
  • Light duties can resume within a few days
  • Full recovery is expected in 2–4 weeks

You may have spotting for a few days post-op.

Read more in my Surgical Recovery Toolkit.

Risks and complications

All surgery carries risk, but serious complications are uncommon with laparoscopic procedures. Potential issues include:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Injury to nearby organs (bowel, bladder, vessels)
  • Adhesions (scar tissue)
  • Early menopause (if both ovaries removed)

In selected cases, the surgery may need to be converted to an open procedure for safety, but this is rare.

Dr Sam Holford

Is surgery for you?

As an Auckland specialist, I perform salpingectomy & oophorectomy to treat disease or reduce cancer risk, using advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.

Book an appointment

FAQs

Will I go into menopause if my ovaries are removed?
If both ovaries are removed before you have naturally gone through menopause, you will experience surgical menopause. If only one ovary is removed, the remaining ovary will typically continue to produce hormones, and you will not go into menopause.
Why would my fallopian tubes be removed during a hysterectomy?
It is now standard practice to remove the fallopian tubes (an opportunistic salpingectomy) during a hysterectomy, even if they are healthy. This is because a growing body of evidence shows that many "ovarian" cancers actually start in the fallopian tubes, so removing them significantly reduces your future risk.
Will removing one ovary affect my fertility?
No, having one healthy, functioning ovary is usually all that is needed for fertility. The remaining ovary will continue to release eggs, and you should still be able to conceive naturally, assuming there are no other fertility issues.
What is the recovery time for this type of keyhole surgery?
For a laparoscopic salpingectomy or oophorectomy, recovery is generally quick. Most people can go home the same day and are back to light activities and work within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery, including returning to strenuous exercise, takes about 2-4 weeks. Read more in my Surgical Recovery Toolkit.
What is the difference between this and a tubal ligation for contraception?
A tubal ligation involves blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. A salpingectomy involves completely removing the tubes. Salpingectomy is now often preferred for permanent contraception because it is more effective and also lowers the risk of ovarian cancer.

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Please note: This information is general in nature and not a substitute for medical advice tailored to your specific situation.