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Gynaecology · UK

Salpingectomy - tube removal, laparoscopically.

Laparoscopic removal of one or both fallopian tubes - for ectopic pregnancy, hydrosalpinx before IVF, sterilisation and opportunistic risk reduction against ovarian cancer. Day-case in almost every scenario.

See indicative pricing
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Indicative pricing

What private salpingectomy costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner UK units.

In short

Laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy: £4,500–£7,500, home the same day.

Procedure Indicative range
Laparoscopic unilateral salpingectomy £3,800–£6,000
Laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy (sterilisation) £4,500–£7,500
Emergency laparoscopic salpingectomy (ectopic) £5,500–£9,000
Salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx before IVF £4,500–£7,500
Opportunistic bilateral salpingectomy at hysterectomy Included with hysterectomy
Gynaecology consultation only £250–£450

Prices vary by hospital, by the consultant, by whether the case is emergency (ectopic) or elective, and by whether additional procedures such as cystectomy or hysteroscopy are combined.

The problem

Two conversations get skipped - ovarian cancer risk reduction, and IVF coordination.

Elective salpingectomy is now standard first-line sterilisation and the correct answer for a hydrosalpinx before IVF. We make sure both conversations happen.

  • Salpingectomy, not clips

    Modern guidance favours bilateral tubal removal over clip occlusion for sterilisation - as effective, with an ovarian cancer risk reduction bonus.

  • Opportunistic salpingectomy at benign pelvic surgery

    For women having hysterectomy or cystectomy who have completed their family, tubal removal adds 10 minutes and reduces future ovarian cancer risk.

  • Timed with your IVF unit

When it helps

When salpingectomy is the right step.

The situations we see most, plus one red flag that means specialist review urgently rather than a routine booking.

  • Tubal ectopic pregnancy

    A pregnancy implanted in the fallopian tube - the standard surgical treatment where the tube is damaged or the other tube is healthy.

  • Hydrosalpinx before IVF

    A fluid-filled, blocked tube reduces IVF success by half. Removing it before embryo transfer roughly doubles live-birth rates.

  • Elective sterilisation

    The modern preferred approach to female sterilisation - a permanent, effective end-point that also reduces future ovarian cancer risk.

  • Tubal torsion or severe salpingitis

    A twisted or severely infected tube that cannot be salvaged - removal is definitive.

  • Recurrent or persistent ectopic

    A second ectopic in the same tube, or a failed medical or expectant management course of a first ectopic.

  • Opportunistic at other pelvic surgery

    Bilateral removal at hysterectomy or ovarian cystectomy in women who have completed their family - routine ovarian cancer risk reduction.

  • BRCA or Lynch - interim risk-reducing

    For carriers wanting to delay oophorectomy - bilateral salpingectomy first, oophorectomy at planned menopause age. Discussed with a gynae-oncology MDT.

  • Red flag: haemodynamically unstable ectopic

    Severe pain, fainting, low blood pressure with a positive pregnancy test is a ruptured ectopic - 999, not a routine appointment.

Procedure options

Unilateral or bilateral, elective or emergency - the technique is broadly the same.

Laparoscopic salpingectomy is the workhorse. Salpingostomy is a tube-preserving alternative for selected ectopics. Open surgery is reserved for the unstable ruptured case.

  • Laparoscopic salpingectomy - the standard

    Three or four small ports, energy device to seal the mesosalpinx, tube removed in an endobag. Day-case in almost every scenario, 25–60 minutes.

  • Salpingostomy - tube-preserving alternative

    For selected ectopic pregnancies where the other tube is damaged and fertility preservation matters. Higher persistent-trophoblast rate; needs beta-hCG follow-up.

  • Bilateral salpingectomy for sterilisation

    The preferred UK first-line female sterilisation now - more effective than clip occlusion and reduces future ovarian cancer risk.

  • Opportunistic salpingectomy at hysterectomy

    Adds around 10 minutes to hysterectomy in a woman who has completed her family. RCOG guidance supports it as routine ovarian cancer risk reduction.

  • Salpingectomy plus contralateral tubal occlusion

    Rare - where anatomy or technical factors make bilateral salpingectomy difficult, one tube is removed and the other occluded.

  • Open salpingectomy (laparotomy)

    For haemodynamically unstable ruptured ectopic where laparoscopy is unsafe, or where major adhesions preclude a laparoscopic approach.

  • Salpingectomy with adnexal cyst or endometrioma

    Combined with ovarian cystectomy or endometrioma stripping - same anaesthetic, small extra time, no separate admission.

  • Robotic-assisted salpingectomy

    An option in complex re-do pelvic surgery - rarely needed for isolated tubal disease, cost is higher.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Salpingectomy is a well-established, low-risk laparoscopic operation. The important conversation is around fertility and - for elective bilateral - the permanence of the decision.

  • GA, day-case where possible

    General anaesthetic, three or four small ports. Day-case in 90 percent - one night for complex or ruptured ectopic cases.

  • Bleeding and vessel injury

    Significant bleeding under 1 percent. The mesosalpinx has a rich vascular supply and needs meticulous energy-device haemostasis.

  • Injury to bowel, bladder or ureter

    Under 0.5 percent each in experienced laparoscopic hands - usually recognised and repaired at the same operation.

  • Persistent trophoblast (salpingostomy only)

    Where the tube is preserved for ectopic, residual pregnancy tissue occurs in 5–15 percent - beta-hCG surveillance is mandatory.

  • Fertility after unilateral salpingectomy

    Around 60–70 percent chance of natural conception within 2 years if the remaining tube and ovary are healthy - comparable to salpingostomy.

  • Bilateral means IVF only

    Bilateral removal ends any natural conception route - a decision to make deliberately and irreversibly, discussed and confirmed before consent.

  • Ovarian reserve

    Salpingectomy does not affect long-term ovarian reserve when done correctly along the tubal side of the mesosalpinx, sparing the ovarian blood supply.

  • DVT, wound infection, hernia

    Standard prophylaxis. Port-site hernia is rare. Call same-day for fever, spreading redness, breathlessness or calf pain.

  • Red flags after surgery

    Heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pain, fever above 38°C, calf pain or shortness of breath need same-day team or A&E, not a routine call.

Reading your notes

Your notes in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whether unilateral or bilateral, ectopic emergency or elective, the operation note keeps to the same shape.

A UK consultant gynaecologist reviewing a patient's operation notes

A quiet reminder

Clinical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.

If you would like us to talk you through your notes before your review, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication, side and extent

    Ectopic, hydrosalpinx or sterilisation; unilateral or bilateral; laparoscopic or open.

  2. 02 Technique

    Ports, energy device, endobag

    Number and size of ports, energy device used, whether the tube was removed in an endobag, and any concurrent procedure.

  3. 03 Findings

    Pelvic anatomy and blood loss

    Contralateral tube and ovary status, adhesions, endometriosis, estimated blood loss, and whether pregnancy tissue was seen (ectopic cases).

  4. 04 Impression

    Follow-up, IVF handover, contraception

    Read this first: histology plan, IVF unit handover (if hydrosalpinx), Anti-D confirmation (rhesus-negative ectopic), and contraception status after unilateral removal.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Salpingectomy is usually covered when medically indicated (ectopic, hydrosalpinx, benign pathology).

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about salpingectomy.

Quick answers on fertility, sterilisation, IVF coordination, cost and recovery.

  • Why choose salpingectomy over tubal clips for sterilisation?

    UK and international guidance now supports bilateral salpingectomy over tubal clips as the first-line permanent contraception. It is at least as effective, avoids clip migration, and - most importantly - reduces future ovarian cancer risk because most so-called ovarian cancers actually begin in the fallopian tube. The operation is only marginally longer than a clip.

  • Will removing a hydrosalpinx really improve my IVF chances?

    Yes. Multiple randomised trials show that removing a fluid-filled, blocked tube before embryo transfer roughly doubles live-birth rates. The fluid appears to leak back into the uterus and disrupt implantation. Salpingectomy is the standard recommendation before IVF where a hydrosalpinx is visible on ultrasound.

  • Can I still get pregnant after unilateral salpingectomy?

    Yes. With one healthy remaining tube and ovulation from either ovary, around 60–70 percent of women conceive naturally within 2 years. That is comparable to tube-preserving salpingostomy after ectopic. Bilateral salpingectomy, in contrast, is permanent - IVF is the only route.

  • How much does private salpingectomy cost in the UK?

    Roughly £3,800–£6,000 for laparoscopic unilateral, £4,500–£7,500 for bilateral or hydrosalpinx removal, and £5,500–£9,000 for emergency ectopic surgery. Opportunistic salpingectomy at hysterectomy is included in the hysterectomy price. Consultation is £250–£450.

  • How long is recovery?

    Home the same day, back to office work in 3–7 days, driving when you can perform an emergency stop comfortably (usually 48–72 hours), and no heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for 2 weeks. Full internal healing is around 4 weeks.

  • Does salpingectomy cause early menopause?

    No. High-quality studies show that salpingectomy done properly - dividing along the tubal side of the mesosalpinx and preserving ovarian blood supply - does not affect ovarian reserve, hormone levels or age at menopause. This is a common concern, and one worth reassuring on before consent.

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