A surgery to remove one or both ovaries and typically done to treat or prevent various conditions related to the ovaries.
Indications
Oophorectomy is recommended if you have:
- Ovarian cancer
- Large or persistent ovarian cysts
- Severe endometriosis that doesn’t respond to other treatments
- Certain hormone-related conditions like hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Types of Oophorectomy
- Unilateral Oophorectomy: Removal of one ovary.
- Bilateral Oophorectomy: Removal of both ovaries.
- Salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of one ovary and a fallopian tube.
- Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: The removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- Hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy: Removing your uterus along with one fallopian tube and ovary.
- Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removing uterus, cervix, both fallopian tubes, and both ovaries.
How do I Prepare
- Physical Exam
- Blood and Urine Tests
- Ultrasound or MRI Imaging
Procedure for oophorectomy
- Anesthesia: Administered to ensure comfort and pain relief throughout the procedure.
- Incisions: Small incisions will be made in your abdomen by the surgeon to access the ovaries.
- Removal: The ovaries are carefully removed, and any necessary repairs or treatments are performed.
- Closure: Incisions are closed with stitches or surgical staples.
Recovery After Oophorectomy
- Hospital Stay: Depending on the surgical approach and recovery, you may stay in the hospital for a day or two.
- Pain Management: Medication for pain management will be administered to alleviate any discomfort following the surgery.
- Rest and Activity: Rest is crucial during the initial recovery period, but gentle activities like walking are encouraged to prevent blood clots.
- Dietary Changes: Your doctor may recommend dietary adjustments to aid in recovery and prevent constipation.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are important to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Post-Operative Care
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: Avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent putting strain on the surgical area.
- No Intercourse: Sexual intercourse should be avoided until your doctor gives the green light.
- Use Sanitary Pads: Use sanitary pads instead of tampons to avoid infection and irritation.
- Gradual Return to Normal Activities: Resume normal activities gradually as advised by your doctor.
- Complications: Be vigilant for signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or other complications and report them to your doctor promptly.
Long-Term Effects for Oophorectomy
- Menopause: Oophorectomy induces menopause, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to ease menopausal symptoms and lower the risk of health issues like osteoporosis.
- Fertility: Oophorectomy results in infertility, so discuss fertility preservation options if desired before the procedure.
Oophorectomy is a significant decision with both benefits and considerations. While it can treat or prevent serious conditions like ovarian cancer, it also impacts fertility and hormone levels. Recovery involves rest, pain management, and dietary adjustments. With careful thought and guidance from doctor, patients can take decisions that prioritize their health and well-being.
