Fallopian Tube Blockage Surgery

The fallopian tube is responsible for carrying the egg from the ovary to the uterus, where the first stage of the egg, the 'zygote', travels through the uterus with the help of tubal cilia and the tubal muscle, where after five days, it is then in its second stage called the 'embryo', where it implants itself in the uterine cavity. When the embryo implants itself onto the fallopian tube, and not the uterus, then the situation is termed as an 'ectopic pregnancy', which happens in very rare cases.

Causes of a Blocked Fallopian Tube

Before we get into the types of surgery available to treat this condition, we first look into the reasons behind one experiencing this problem.

Endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when the uterus lining grows on the exterior of the uterus region, that is, around the reproductive organs. Due to the bleeding caused internally, in places where it isn't supposed to take place, scar tissue formation is evident, where one has to ultimately seek fallopian tube blockage treatment.

Infection
This is a common case scenario when it comes to reasons to go by surgery methods. The two main factors that play a role in leading up to a fallopian tube infection, are chlamydia, which consequently leads to a case of PID, that is, pelvic inflammatory infection. So because chlamydia is known to hide its symptoms, and not showcase any obvious signs, it can go unnoticed, damaging the reproductive organs in the process. Infection fighting fluids then flood the fallopian tubes, as they try to fend off the infection, but still causing the tubes to damage in the long run. This can lead to partial or severe blockage.

Appendicitis
Once the appendix ruptures, it can cause the fallopian tubes to close up, since bacteria in the infected appendix is now seeping into the abdomen, and can also spread over the reproductive organs. Therefore, when this takes place, the chances of the fallopian tube being blocked becomes high due to the case of appendicitis.

Ectopic Pregnancy
This as you now know, is when the embryo plants itself in the fallopian tube, and doesn't move over to the uterus where it should develop during pregnancy. When the embryo grows in size, it ruptures the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility problems in the future. After surgery is done on an ectopic pregnancy, it can cause scarring of the tubes, and lead to a blockage in the end.

Symptoms of a Blocked Fallopian Tube

This condition showcases signs that usually come forth if a woman notices that she has trouble conceiving. Women tend to also experience pain causing the pelvic region to hurt immensely. This pain can either be mild or severe depending on how bad the situation is. It is a recurring pain that takes place on one side, or around the abdomen region. Women who experience this, especially with a past pregnancy case that was ectopic in nature, should have themselves examined.

Surgery Options for a Blocked Fallopian Tube

We now find out what options women have in terms of treatment, which in most cases leads up to surgery.

Salpingectomy
This surgical procedure entails that a part of the fallopian tube be removed, in order to allow in vitro fertilization, where the tubes has been building up on a liquid called 'hydrosalpinx'. With this liquid present, the procedure to allow in vitro is not likely to succeed.

Fimbrioplasty
This surgery option is put into action when the fallopian tube closest to the ovary is partially blocked or shows scar tissue formation. This surgical method rebuilds the tube's structure to its original state, to allow it to function properly again.

Tubal Reanastomosis
A tubal ligation method is used to repair a part of the damaged fallopian tube, which has been subjected to some kind of disease. The infected portion is removed, and the healthy ends are joined using a binding 'ligature'. This is done by incising the abdomen, and maneuvering through the cavity to pull off this surgery.

Some women prefer non surgical methods to open up a blockage, which doesn't require the complicated means as that of the aforementioned surgery options. Depending on the severity of your case, doctors will decide what's good for you. The non surgical method includes a procedure called 'selective tubal cannulation', where doctors use a catheter / cannula through the cervix, then the uterus, and into the fallopian tube to correct the problem it's facing. Remember to get any persistent signs of pain checked out, so that it is dealt with immediately.