What is Oophorectomy? Purpose, Procedure & Recovery

Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. This procedure is performed when ovaries are diseased, pose health risks, or as part of cancer treatment. While the thought of ovarian surgery can feel overwhelming, understanding what happens during this procedure can help you feel more prepared and confident about your care.

What is oophorectomy?

Oophorectomy is a surgical procedure where doctors remove one or both ovaries from a woman's body. Your ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. When one ovary is removed, it's called a unilateral oophorectomy, and when both are removed, it's called a bilateral oophorectomy.

This surgery can be performed alone or combined with other procedures. Sometimes doctors remove the ovaries along with the fallopian tubes, which is called salpingo-oophorectomy. The specific approach depends on your individual medical situation and the reason for your surgery.

Why is oophorectomy done?

Doctors recommend oophorectomy for several medical reasons, ranging from cancer treatment to managing painful conditions. The decision is always based on your specific health needs and medical history. Understanding these reasons can help you feel more informed about your treatment plan.

Here are the main medical conditions that may require ovary removal:

• Ovarian cancer: When cancer develops in the ovaries, removing them is often the most effective treatment to prevent spread
• Ovarian cysts: Large, persistent, or suspicious cysts that don't respond to other treatments may need surgical removal
• Endometriosis: Severe cases where endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries, causing intense pain and complications
• Ovarian torsion: When an ovary twists and cuts off its blood supply, requiring emergency removal to prevent tissue death
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: Severe infections that damage the ovaries beyond repair
• BRCA gene mutations: Women with high genetic risk for ovarian cancer may choose preventive removal

Less common reasons include hormone-sensitive breast cancer treatment and certain genetic conditions. Your doctor will carefully weigh the benefits and risks before recommending this surgery, ensuring it's the best option for your health.

What is the procedure for oophorectomy?

Oophorectomy can be performed using different surgical approaches, depending on your specific condition and anatomy. Most procedures today use minimally invasive techniques, which means smaller incisions and faster recovery times. Your surgeon will choose the best method based on factors like the size of your ovaries, presence of scar tissue, and reason for surgery.

The two main surgical approaches are:

1. Laparoscopic oophorectomy: Your surgeon makes 3-4 small incisions in your abdomen and uses a thin camera called a laparoscope to guide the surgery. This approach typically results in less pain, smaller scars, and quicker recovery.
2. Open oophorectomy: Your surgeon makes a larger incision in your abdomen to directly access and remove the ovaries. This approach may be necessary for large masses, extensive scar tissue, or cancer cases.

During the procedure, you'll receive general anesthesia so you'll be completely asleep. The surgery typically takes 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Your surgeon will carefully disconnect the ovaries from surrounding blood vessels and tissues before removing them.

After removal, the ovaries are often sent to a laboratory for examination. This helps doctors confirm the diagnosis and plan any additional treatment you might need.

How to prepare for your oophorectomy?

Preparing for oophorectomy involves several steps that help ensure your surgery goes smoothly and your recovery is as comfortable as possible. Your medical team will guide you through each preparation step, but knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety.

Here's what you can expect in the weeks and days before your surgery:

• Pre-surgical testing: Blood work, imaging scans, and possibly an EKG to ensure you're healthy enough for surgery
• Medication review: Your doctor will review all medications and supplements, stopping certain ones that might increase bleeding risk
• Fasting instructions: You'll need to avoid eating or drinking for 8-12 hours before surgery to prevent complications during anesthesia
• Arrange support: Plan for someone to drive you home and help with daily activities for the first few days
• Prepare your home: Stock up on comfortable loose clothing, easy-to-prepare meals, and any recommended supplies

Your surgeon will also discuss what to expect during recovery and answer any questions you have. Don't hesitate to ask about anything that concerns you - your medical team wants you to feel confident and prepared.

How to read your oophorectomy results?

After your oophorectomy, the removed ovarian tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for detailed examination. This analysis provides important information about your health and helps guide any additional treatment you might need. The pathology report typically arrives within 3-7 days after surgery.

Your pathology report will include several key findings:

• Tissue description: Details about the size, weight, and appearance of the removed ovaries
• Microscopic findings: What the tissue looks like under a microscope, including any abnormal cells
• Diagnosis: The specific condition found, such as benign cysts, endometriosis, or cancer
• Tumor staging: If cancer is found, the report describes how advanced it is and whether it has spread

Your doctor will explain these results in detail during your follow-up appointment. They'll translate the medical terminology into language you can understand and discuss what the findings mean for your health moving forward.

How to manage recovery after oophorectomy?

Recovery from oophorectomy varies depending on the surgical approach used and your individual healing process. Most women who have laparoscopic surgery recover faster than those who have open surgery. Understanding what to expect can help you plan for a smooth recovery period.

Here's what you can expect during your recovery:

• Hospital stay: Laparoscopic surgery often allows same-day discharge, while open surgery may require 1-3 days in the hospital
• Pain management: You'll receive prescription pain medication for the first few days, then can usually transition to over-the-counter options
• Activity restrictions: No heavy lifting (over 10 pounds) for 4-6 weeks, with gradual return to normal activities
• Wound care: Keep incisions clean and dry, watching for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or unusual discharge
• Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ins with your surgeon to monitor healing and discuss any concerns

Most women return to work within 2-6 weeks, depending on their job requirements and healing progress. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines based on your individual situation and surgical approach.

What are the hormone changes after oophorectomy?

Removing one or both ovaries affects your hormone production, which can lead to various physical and emotional changes. If you have one ovary removed, the remaining ovary usually produces enough hormones to maintain normal function. However, removing both ovaries causes immediate menopause, regardless of your age.

When both ovaries are removed, you may experience these hormonal changes:

• Immediate menopause: Your periods stop permanently, and you can no longer become pregnant naturally
• Hot flashes and night sweats: These are common as your body adjusts to lower estrogen levels
• Mood changes: You might experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression due to hormonal shifts
• Sleep disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns are common during this adjustment period
• Vaginal dryness: Reduced estrogen can cause vaginal tissues to become thinner and less lubricated

Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to help manage these symptoms. This treatment can significantly improve your quality of life during the transition period.

What are the long-term effects of oophorectomy?

Oophorectomy can have several long-term effects on your health, particularly if both ovaries are removed before natural menopause. Understanding these potential changes helps you work with your healthcare team to maintain your health over time.

The main long-term considerations include:

• Bone health: Lower estrogen levels can increase your risk of osteoporosis, making bone density monitoring important
• Heart health: Estrogen helps protect against heart disease, so you may need closer cardiovascular monitoring
• Sexual health: Changes in hormone levels can affect libido and sexual comfort, but these issues are treatable
• Cognitive function: Some women notice changes in memory or concentration, though research is ongoing
• Weight changes: Hormonal shifts may affect metabolism and weight distribution

Working closely with your healthcare team can help you manage these long-term effects effectively. Regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and appropriate treatments can help you maintain good health after oophorectomy.

What are the risks and complications of oophorectomy?

Like any surgical procedure, oophorectomy carries some risks and potential complications. While serious complications are uncommon, understanding these possibilities helps you make informed decisions about your care and recognize warning signs during recovery.

Common risks associated with oophorectomy include:

• Bleeding: Some bleeding during or after surgery is normal, but excessive bleeding may require additional treatment
• Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site or internally, usually preventable with proper care
• Anesthesia reactions: Rare but possible adverse reactions to general anesthesia
• Blood clots: Small risk of clots forming in legs or lungs, especially with longer surgeries
• Injury to nearby organs: Rare possibility of accidental damage to bladder, bowel, or blood vessels

Rare but serious complications might include severe bleeding requiring transfusion, major organ injury, or life-threatening infections. Your surgical team takes multiple precautions to minimize these risks, and most women recover without serious complications.

When should I see a doctor after oophorectomy?

Knowing when to contact your healthcare provider after oophorectomy is important for your safety and peace of mind. While some discomfort and changes are normal during recovery, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding: Soaking more than one pad per hour for several hours
• Signs of infection: Fever over 101°F, severe abdominal pain, or foul-smelling discharge
• Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood
• Severe pain: Pain that doesn't improve with prescribed medication or gets worse
• Leg swelling: Sudden swelling, pain, or warmth in your legs

You should also schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and discuss any ongoing concerns. Your healthcare team is there to support you throughout your recovery journey.