Oophorectomy is a surgical procedure for the removal of ovary(s) from the body. Ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system; they produce an egg every month which on fertilisation by a sperm may lead to conception. Sometimes the tubes, connecting the ovary to the uterus, are also removed during a surgery called Salpingo-oophorectomy.
Oophorectomy is generally performed under general anaesthesia. You will be unconscious during the procedure and will not feel any pain. The surgery can be conducted in two different ways:
Your provider would like to know about all the medications you have been taking; you might be asked to stop taking some of them before the surgery. A CT scan or a USG may be requested to help your surgeons plan your surgery. Before the day of the surgery you will be requested to stop consuming solid for 8 hours before the surgery. If you are having both your ovaries removed but wish to have children in the future, inform your doctor about it; you will be advised to consult a fertility specialist.
Indications for an oophorectomy are:
Oophorectomy is a relatively safe procedure. Complications that may be encountered are:
Following the surgery you will be continuously monitored as the effects of anaesthesia wear off. You will be allowed to return home a few days after the surgery. If you are of pre menopausal age and have had to remove both the ovaries you will experience an early menopause with symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and reduced sexual drive. These symptoms can be controlled by taking hormone pills regularly as prescribed by your doctor. Most individuals who have undergone a laparotomy can resume normal activities in six weeks. The recovery time for individuals who have undergone a laparoscopic surgery is two weeks.