Surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes.
Salpingectomy may be performed if the tube is infected (see salpingitis) or to treat ectopic pregnancy.
(See also salpingo-oophorectomy.)
n. the surgical removal of a Fallopian tube, most commonly carried out for removal of a tubal pregnancy (see ectopic pregnancy). The operation involving both tubes is a permanent and completely effective method of contraception (see sterilization) since it prevents the egg cells passing from the ovaries to the uterus.
n. 1. a surgical operation or any other process that induces *sterility in men or women. In women, hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy (surgical removal of both ovaries) are 100% effective and permanent. Alternatively, the Fallopian tubes may be removed (see salpingectomy) or divided and/or ligated. These operations can be performed through the abdomen or the vagina. The modern technique (tubal occlusion) is to occlude (close) permanently the inner (lower) half of the Fallopian tube through a *laparoscope. The occluding device is usually a clip (the Hulka-Clemens or Filshie clips) or a small plastic ring (Falope ring); *diathermy coagulation carries greater dangers (e.g. bowel burns) and is now little used. A more recent method is the use of a rapid-setting plastic introduced into the tubes through a hysteroscope (see hysteroscopy). Men are usually sterilized by *vasectomy. See also castration. 2. the process by which all types of microorganisms (including spores) are destroyed. This is achieved by the use of heat, radiation, chemicals, or filtration. See also autoclave.... sterilization