Surgical removal of the ovaries
Oophorectomy involves the removal of one or both ovaries.
This operation may be done to treat a number of ovarian diseases, includingendometriosisand benign or cancerous ovarian masses.
Oophorectomy may also be performed as a preventive surgery in women at high risk for developingovarian cancer.
JazzIRT / Getty Images
JazzIRT / Getty Images
What Is an Oophorectomy?
Ovaries are almond-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus.
Oophorectomy is surgery to remove one or both of these glands.
Sometimes, an oophorectomy is combined with another surgery.
Contraindications
There are no absolute contraindications to an oophorectomy.
They also produce hormones that control a womansmenstrual cycle.
As such, surgical removal of one ovary (unilateral oophorectomy) can cause fertility problems.
Surgical Menopause
Premenopausal women who undergo a bilateral oophorectomy go immediately and permanently intomenopauseafter surgery.
This is because their ovaries can no longer releaseestrogen.
As a result of entering menopause, women are also rendered infertile and can no longer conceive naturally.
Oophorectomy may also be performed to prevent ovarian cancer in select high-risk patients.
Your healthcare provider will also draw aCA-125 blood testbefore you undergo surgery (or any other cancer treatment).
Location
Your operation will take place in a hospital or surgical center.
They usually like patients to arrive a couple of hours early.
You may be instructed to stop eating solid foods after midnight.
Medications
You may be advised to stop taking certain medications for a designated period of time.
For instance, most surgeons advise patients to stop takingnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)a week before surgery.
Tell your surgeon if you are taking aspirin or another blood thinner likewarfarin.
Lastly, your surgeon may advise you to take laxatives to clear your bowels prior to surgery.
This will help prevent infection.
double-check you bring your drivers license, insurance card, and a list of your medications.
Leave your bottles of pills at home, unless instructed otherwise.
Check with your medical team to see if this is appropriate for you.
If desired, your medical team can refer you to asmoking cessation programfor support and guidance.
Fertility Preservation
If you want to have children, talk with your healthcare provider about your options.
Ask your practitioner to refer you to a fertility doctor who can review your options with you.
For example, you might potentially freeze your eggs beforehand (assuming the surgery isnt urgent).
Your surgeon will come to greet you and briefly review the operation with you.
Youranesthesiologistwill also come to say hello and review the anesthesia process and potential risks involved.
From there, you will be walked or wheeled on a gurney into the operating room.
You will not remember anything that occurs during the procedure after this point.
Next, anendotracheal tubewill be inserted into your windpipe.
This tube is connected to aventilatorthat takes control of your breathing during the operation.
If you are having a vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, you may instead undergo regional anesthesia.
If this is the case, the anesthesiologist will inject a numbing medication into your spine.
You may feel a stinging sensation as the medication is being injected.
You will also be given a sedative to help you fall asleep during the surgery.
Inflatable compression devices may also be placed on your legs to help prevent post-operativeblood clots.
After the Surgery
In the recovery room, you will slowly wake up from anesthesia or sedation.
A nurse will monitor your vital signs and help you manage common post-operative symptoms like pain and nausea.
Most patients who are admitted after undergoing an oophorectomy stay in the hospital for two to three nights.
Your Foley catheter will also be removed before going home.
Your adhesive strips/surgical glue should come off on their own within 10 days after surgery.
Symptoms ofmedical or induced menopause(e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness, etc.)
That said, there are some risks associated with taking HRT and not everyone is a candidate.
Its best to talk with your medical team about HRT prior to your operation, if possible.
In some cases, radiation is recommended.
Another surgery may be needed if the cancer recurs and/or spreads.
You may feel down, worried, fearful, angry, or irritable.
Talk to your surgeon or primary care doctor if you experience symptoms ofdepressionbefore or after surgery.
You may benefit from seeing a counselor or therapist.
Continue to remain proactive about learning as much as you’re able to about this surgery.
Dont forget to reach out to your surgical team with any questions or concerns.
They are there to help you and ensure that your operation goes as smoothly as possible.
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