Leaflet Details
| Title | Discharge Advice Following Laparoscopic Management of Ectopic Pregnancy |
| Department | Early Pregnancy Unit |
| Author(s) | Laura Pagden, Lead Midwife EPU |
| Review Date | July 2026 |
| Next Review | July 2028 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
Introduction
This leaflet provides general information for women going home following a salpingectomy / salpingostomy for an ectopic pregnancy. Please follow any individual advice given on discharge.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
We are sorry that you are experiencing this.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the womb; most commonly a fallopian tube. A salpingectomy is an operation to remove the affected fallopian tube and ectopic pregnancy. This is usually performed using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. A salpingostomy is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in a fallopian tube to create an opening and remove the ectopic pregnancy.
What can I expect after surgery?
It is normal to feel tired, emotional, sore and bloated for several days or weeks following surgery. You may have:
- Mild to moderate abdominal pain or cramping
- Shoulder tip pain caused by the gas used during keyhole surgery
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting for up to 2 weeks
- Bruising around the wounds
- Tiredness and low mood
You may have been prescribed blood thinning medication to reduce your risk of developing DVT (blood clot) post-surgery. Please speak to the nurse who discharges you if you have any questions regarding this.
Pain relief:
Take your pain relief as advised on discharge from hospital. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used unless you are allergic or have been told not to take. Stronger pain relief should only be used if prescribed. Seek medical advice if your pain suddenly worsens or is not controlled with over-the-counter medication. Avoid taking codeine for prolonged periods as this can cause constipation leading to increased abdominal pain.
Looking after your wounds:
- Your wounds will usually be covered with small dressings after surgery.
- Keep the dressings clean and dry for the first 48 hours unless you have been advised otherwise by your healthcare team.
- After 48 hours, you can usually remove the dressings and leave the wounds uncovered if they are dry and healing normally. You are then able to shower.
- If the wounds are still oozing; apply a clean, dry dressing and change it daily until oozing has stopped.
- Dissolvable stitches are commonly used and do not require removal. They may take several weeks to dissolve completely.
- Avoid soaking in baths until the wounds have healed. Avoid using perfumed shower products on wound sites. Pat dry, do not rub.
- Some redness or bruising is common, but increased bruising, swelling, abnormal discharge or foul smell may indicate infection and should be reviewed by a clinician.
Activity and recovery:
- It is important to rest when needed but try to walk around gently each day.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and abdominal workouts for 2 - 4 weeks.
- Do not drive until you can comfortably wear a seatbelt and perform an emergency stop and are no longer taking strong painkillers.
- If you required a laparotomy (open incision) then you should not drive for at least 6 weeks, as you will not be covered by your insurance.
- Most women return to work 2 - 4 weeks post-surgery depending on how they feel physically and emotionally. Please contact the Early Pregnancy Unit if you need a sick note.
Bleeding and periods:
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting is common after surgery. Use sanitary pads instead of tampons to reduce risk of infection until the bleeding stops.
Your next period may be earlier or later than expected and can be heavier and more painful than usual.
Sex and contraception:
Avoid sexual intercourse until bleeding stops and you feel physically and emotionally ready. Also, in some cases we will be following you up with repeat blood tests to ensure your BHCG has reduced until this is negative, please refrain from intercourse.
Discuss contraception with your health care provider if needed as you can still get pregnant with one remaining fallopian tube and quite quickly.
Post Ectopic Consultation:
Following surgery, you will be referred for a post ectopic consultation with either a consultant or a Clinical nurse specialist to discuss your surgery and answer any questions you may have. Please contact the Early Pregnancy Unit on 01932 722662 if you have not been offered an appointment after 6 weeks of surgery / discharge from EPU.
Future pregnancy
Most women can have a successful pregnancy after ONE salpingectomy.
You are usually advised to wait until you have had 2 normal periods before starting to try again. If you have had a salpingostomy that advice may differ so please await your post-ectopic consultation.
In all future pregnancies, please contact your local early pregnancy unit regardless of symptoms as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test. We will then time a scan at 5-6 weeks pregnant.
If you are recovering from your SECOND salpingectomy then you will not require contraception, but we will discuss in your post-ectopic consultation appointment different pathways to conceive in the future.
Emotional recovery
An ectopic pregnancy is very distressing, and many women experience grief, anxiety, sadness, anger or shock. Recovery can take time emotionally despite physically returning to your baseline.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you need any extra support. The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust have lots of resources available online https://ectopic.org.uk
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
Seek urgent medical advice or attend your nearest emergency department if you develop:
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Fever (temperature above 38 degrees) or chills
- Red, swollen or leaking wounds
- Dizziness, fainting or shortness of breath
- Persistent vomiting
- Chest pain
Useful contacts
Early Pregnancy Unit, Monday - Friday 9-5 excluding bank holidays on 01932 722662
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
https://ectopic.org.uk
Miscarriage UK
https://www.miscarriageuk.org
NHS website
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/
