Fallopian tube

Fallopian tube is a slender tube through which eggs pass from an ovary to the uterus.

Fallopian tube

Female reproductive system

In the female reproductive tract, there is one ovary and one fallopian tube on each side of the uterus.

Function

Eggs pass from the ovaries, through the fallopian tubes, to the uterus

Salpingitis

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes is called salpingitis.

Fallopian Tube Surgical Procedures

Ectopic pregnancy

• Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.
• An ectopic pregnancy often occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and this type of ectopic is called a tubal pregnancy.

Infertility

• Infertility in women has many causes one of which is call tubal factor infertility.
• Tubal factor infertility occurs when a blockage in the fallopian tubes obstructs the egg and sperm to meet.
• Tubal factor infertility accounts for about 25-30% of infertility.
• The condition includes either partial or complete and unilateral and or bilateral obstruction.

What causes tubal factor infertility?

• Infections, abdominal surgery, and endometriosis can cause scarring between the end of the fallopian tube and ovary.
• Infections may be, but are not necessarily, sexually transmitted.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common sexually transmitted infections that can cause tubal infertility.
• Tuberculosis, uncommon in North America, and a ruptured appendix can both cause a tubal infection. Surgery can also damage your fallopian tubes.

Ectopic pregnancy in Fallopian tube

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• PID can also travel from the cervix through the uterus to the tubes, which can ultimately cause the delicate inner lining of the tubes to become permanently scarred.
• The opening of the tube next to the ovary may become partially or completely blocked; scar tissue will often form on the outside of the tubes and uterus.

Cancer of fallopian tubes

• Cancer that forms in the tissue lining the fallopian tube
• The cancer sometimes begins at the end of the fallopian tube near the ovary and spreads to the ovary.
• Fallopian tube cancer is similar to ovarian epithelial cancer and is staged and treated the same way.

Female sterilization

• Salpingectomy
• Tubal ligation

Fallopian tube Resources
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