A bilateral salpingectomy is the complete removal of both fallopian tubes. This surgery is typically performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, which significantly reduces the time required in the operating room. The actual surgical portion, from the first incision to the final closure, generally takes a short period of time. Most patients can expect the procedure itself to last between 30 and 60 minutes. This brief surgical window is only one part of the overall time commitment for the patient.
Operating Room Duration
The timeline begins once the patient is in the operating room (OR) and under general anesthesia. Before the surgeon starts, the patient is positioned, and the abdomen is prepared and sterilized. The surgeon then initiates insufflation, pumping carbon dioxide gas into the abdominal cavity. This gas creates space and lifts the abdominal wall away from internal organs, helping the surgeon clearly visualize the pelvic structures before the first surgical tool is introduced.
The procedure moves to trocar placement, where small incisions are made, usually near the belly button and on the lower abdomen. These incisions allow insertion of the laparoscope and specialized surgical instruments. Using the laparoscope’s camera, the surgeon navigates to the fallopian tubes. The tubes are carefully dissected away from surrounding ligaments and blood vessels, then secured, cut, and cauterized using electrocautery or surgical clips to prevent bleeding.
Once both fallopian tubes are detached, they are removed through one of the small incision sites. The surgical team inspects the pelvic cavity to confirm there is no active bleeding before releasing the carbon dioxide gas. Finally, the small incisions are closed using dissolvable sutures, surgical glue, or adhesive strips. This sequence of steps generally limits the time the patient spends on the operating table and under anesthesia to under an hour.
Total Time Investment
While the surgical time is brief, the total time a patient invests in a bilateral salpingectomy spans several hours within the surgical facility. The process begins with the pre-operative preparation phase, which takes one to two hours before the patient enters the OR. During this time, the patient changes into a gown and meets with the nursing team, surgeon, and anesthesia provider to review the plan and sign consent forms.
A nurse will place an intravenous (IV) line to administer fluids and medication, and complete necessary safety checks, such as a pregnancy test. This careful preparation ensures all logistical and medical requirements are met before anesthesia is administered. The time spent in the pre-op area also serves as a necessary buffer for the surgical schedule.
Following the procedure, the patient is moved to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for monitoring as they wake up from general anesthesia. This recovery phase usually lasts between two and four hours, depending on how quickly the patient stabilizes and meets discharge criteria. Nurses monitor vital signs, manage initial nausea or pain, and ensure the patient is fully awake and alert.
Before discharge, the patient must be able to tolerate oral fluids, have pain controlled with oral medication, and be able to walk with assistance. Accounting for the pre-operative preparation, surgical time, and PACU recovery, the total time at the facility ranges from four to six hours. This makes the procedure an outpatient surgery, allowing the patient to go home the same day.
Variables That Affect Procedure Length
Several factors can influence the final duration of the bilateral salpingectomy, potentially pushing the procedure beyond the typical 30- to 60-minute window. A patient’s medical history, particularly prior abdominal surgeries like a C-section or appendectomy, can complicate the procedure. These previous operations may result in scar tissue, known as adhesions, which can obscure the fallopian tubes and make dissection more difficult for the surgeon.
Increased body mass index (BMI) can also lengthen the OR time, as it requires deeper insufflation and more challenging port placement for adequate visualization. The presence of other pelvic conditions, such as severe endometriosis or large fibroids, may require additional time for careful navigation around distorted anatomy. Any unexpected findings during the surgery must also be addressed, which can extend the duration.
The most common reason for a planned increase in surgical time is when the bilateral salpingectomy is performed concurrently with another procedure. For instance, removing the tubes at the same time as a hysteroscopy, dilation and curettage (D&C), or a hysterectomy adds the time required for that secondary operation. These variables require the surgeon to proceed with extra care, increasing the overall time the patient is under anesthesia.