Histopathological gamut of fallopian tube lesions: A 5-year retrospective descriptive study in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India

Abstract

Background and Aim: Even though the fallopian tubes are commonly encountered surgical specimens in histopathology, there exists a paucity of data that describe the incidence and types of pathologies that can be encountered in the fallopian tubes. The present study was taken up as a small attempt to bridge this gap and describe the various fallopian tube lesions which can be encountered in routine practice. Materials and Methods: The fallopian tubes that were received, either separately or as a part of other gynecological specimens, during the 5-year study were included. Specimens were routinely fixed, processed and sectioned. The Sectioning and Extensively Examining the Fimbriated End of the fallopian tube protocol for grossing was used in cases associated with malignancies. Results: A total of 5256 fallopian tubes were received from 3258 patients during the study. The age ranged between 12 and 70 years. The most common clinical indication for salpingectomy in the present study was uterus related (51.9%). Of the total 5256 fallopian tubes examined, 29.8% tubes showed some pathology. The most common clinically diagnosed tubal pathology, in the present study, was tubal ectopic gestation. The most common clinically undiagnosed finding was hydrosalpinx. Conclusion: It is essential to extensively gross and microscopically examine all fallopian tube specimens to identify precursor lesions and help in patient workup and treatment.