Oophorectomy is surgery to remove one or both ovaries. It may be recommended when there is a risk of ovarian cancer or to treat problems such as an ovarian abscess, cysts, or ovarian torsion.
This procedure is done under anesthesia and is usually performed using laparoscopic oophorectomy. In some cases, it may be done through conventional surgery with an incision in the abdomen, which is called a laparotomy.
An oophorectomy is usually performed by a gynecologist in a hospital or surgical center. It may be covered by health insurance when there is a clear medical indication.
When it is recommended
An oophorectomy may be indicated to treat:
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Ovarian cancer
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Tubo-ovarian abscess
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Ovarian endometriosis or endometrioma
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Benign ovarian cysts or tumors
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Ovarian teratoma
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Ovarian necrosis
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Ovarian tissue cryopreservation
In addition, a gynecologist may recommend a prophylactic oophorectomy, which is done to help prevent ovarian cancer.
This recommendation is mainly for women with a family history of ovarian cancer or BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, as the National Cancer Institute notes that risk‑reducing removal of the ovaries (with or without the fallopian tubes) is often used for people at high genetic risk.
How to prepare
To prepare for an oophorectomy, the doctor will order preoperative testing and blood work to assess overall health.
It is also important to discuss any questions about the surgery and recovery with the doctor.
You should also tell your doctor about all medications and dietary supplements you take regularly, as well as any allergies or other health conditions you have.
Before surgery, fasting for about 8 hours and following a light, liquid diet is usually recommended.
How it is done
An oophorectomy is performed by a gynecologic surgeon in a hospital under general anesthesia.
To perform a laparoscopic oophorectomy, the doctor generally:
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Cleans the skin on the abdomen with an antiseptic.
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Makes three small cuts in the abdomen to insert the camera and surgical instruments.
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Fills the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide gas to create space to see and move the instruments.
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Inserts a thin tube with a small video camera to view the ovaries and other pelvic organs on a monitor.
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Removes one or both ovaries.
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Closes the incisions and applies dressings to the area.
Another way to perform an oophorectomy is through laparotomy, which involves making a larger incision in the abdomen.
However, laparoscopic oophorectomy is generally preferred because recovery is faster and the risk of bleeding after the procedure is lower.
Main types
The main types of oophorectomy are:
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Unilateral oophorectomy: Only one ovary is removed.
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Bilateral oophorectomy: Both ovaries are removed.
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Salpingo-oophorectomy: In addition to the ovary, the fallopian tube is also removed, and it may be unilateral or bilateral.
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Hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy: One or both ovaries, the fallopian tube, and the uterus are removed.
The type of oophorectomy should be determined by the gynecologist based on the condition being treated and the individual patient's needs.
Recovery time
When only one ovary is removed, there are usually few short- or medium-term effects because the remaining ovary continues producing hormones. However, it is important to continue follow-up with the doctor to monitor hormone levels.
On the other hand, when both ovaries are removed, the sudden drop in estrogen causes menopause to start right away. According to the National Cancer Institute, this change is often referred to as surgical menopause.
The benefits and risks of removing the ovaries should be discussed with a gynecologist to determine the best treatment option, especially for women who have not yet reached menopause or who still want to become pregnant.
Potential risks
The main risks of oophorectomy include:
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Infection at the incision site
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Bleeding
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Injury to blood vessels or nerves
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Injury to the ureter
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Blood clot formation
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Tumor rupture and spread of cancer cells
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Allergic reaction to anesthesia
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Infertility, especially when both ovaries are removed
In some cases, a condition called ovarian remnant syndrome may also occur, which can cause pelvic pain.
This can happen when ovarian tissue is not completely removed because of adhesions involving the ovary, heavy bleeding during surgery, or the surgical technique used.