Removal of ovaries and/or tubes using an endoscope

Procedure Information

What is the removal of the ovaries?

Removal of the ovaries, also known as oophorectomy, is a surgical procedure used to remove one or both of the ovaries. Ovaries are responsible for the production of eggs during each menstrual cycle to be fertilized by a sperm. Ovaries are present in your pelvic area on each side of the uterus.

Why would I get this procedure?

There are many diseases that happen in the ovaries, and some of them require the removal of one or both ovaries. These conditions include: 

• Endometriosis
• Benign tumors or cyst
• Malignant tumors (cancer)
• Ovarian torsion
• Prophylactic removal to reduce the risk of cancer in highly susceptible women

What happens during the procedure?

Oophorectomy is done under general anesthesia, so you will fall asleep and won’t remember anything regarding the procedure. 

Oophorectomy is usually done as laparoscopic surgery; it is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure. During this procedure, your surgeon will make few 1-2 cm incisions to insert some surgical instruments and a camera to see the inside of your pelvis. 

The surgeon will cut the blood supply of the ovary and pull it out via one of the small incisions. Sometimes, the surgery is done with the assistance of a robotic arm moving these instruments.

What happens after the procedure?

After surgery, you will be sent to the recovery room as the effect of anesthesia wears off. Expect to go home the same day as your surgery. However, some people may require 1-2 nights if their procedure was complex or had laparotomy. It will take around 3 weeks to return to full activity.

Conclusion 

You should know that you will experience menopause if your ovaries are removed. This because ovaries are responsible for estrogen and progesterone production. Once ovaries are removed, some of the menopause symptoms will appear like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, depression, and osteoporosis. 

Nevertheless, there are many options like hormone replacement therapies that can reduce these symptoms.

Moreover, if you plan to be a mother, you should discuss that with your physician because removing ovaries means you will be infertile. 

Resources

Mayo Clinic: Oophorectomy (ovary removal surgery)