Fallopian tube prolapse following hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fallopian tube prolapse (FTP) after hysterectomy.

METHODS

A total of 7949 patients received hysterectomy from January 1983 to August 2005 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and 9 cases (including 1 case from other hospital) of FTP after hysterectomy were involved during this period. All of them were diagnosed according to pathological results and were followed up. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the FTP patients were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The incidence of FTP after hysterectomy was 0.1% (8/7949), with the incidence of FTP after transabdominal hysterectomy being 0.06% (4/6229), after trans-vaginal hysterectomy being 0.5% (4/780), after laparoscopic assistant vaginal hysterectomy being 0 (0/940). There was no symptom in 3 cases. The pelvic examination revealed the typical prolapsed fimbrial end of a fallopian tube in 3 cases and the other 6 cases revealed red granulation tissue. All of them were excised vaginally and cauterized. The results were proved by pathological examination. No recurrence was reported during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

FTP is a rare complication after hysterectomy. The prognosis is well after proper diagnosis and treatment Fixation of accessories onto the pelvic wall and complete peritonealization at the time of hysterectomy are the most important methods to prevent FTP after hysterectomy.