Hysterectomy: Take the Tubes Too?
Hysterectomy, for the management of such benign conditions as fibroids, menometrorrhagia, and endometrial hyperplasia, is among the most common gynecologic surgeries. It can be performed vaginally or via the abdominal route (laparotomy or laparoscopy). At the time of surgery, other pelvic organs (fallopian tubes, ovaries) can be inspected and removed, if indicated. An unhealthy fallopian tube affected by previous salpingitis is typically removed.
Over the years, a debate has surrounded the question of what to do with healthy fallopian tubes at the time of hysterectomy for benign indications.
What's the downside of bilateral salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy?
Outcomes of Bilateral Salpingectomy
A recent study[1] evaluated the incidence of menopausal symptoms and surgical complications following bilateral salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy.
This retrospective cohort study included 4906 women who underwent abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy between 2013 and 2016, with postoperative follow-up for a year. New-onset menopausal symptoms and postoperative complication rates were identified. Bilateral salpingectomy was performed in 37.8% of the hysterectomies executed in 2016.
The women who chose to have their tubes removed were slightly older and had higher parity. The hospital stay was longer by 0.1 day after bilateral salpingectomy, a statistically significant difference.
