If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your doctor may suggest ovary removal surgery. We understand, that this surgical procedure can be frightening, especially if you know nothing about the steps, how it is done, the recovery process, and potential risks.
Fortunately, we have researched oophorectomy, so you do not have to. This comprehensive article will teach you about ovary removal surgery and what you can expect along the way.
That said, the removal of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes is a complex surgical procedure. We strongly suggest finding reliable professionals with years of experience and positive patient testimonials. And if you already know that you might need surgery, then we can help if you are looking for options regarding the laparoscopy procedure at Palm Beach.
With that out of the way, find out the essential facts about the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, or salpingo-oophorectomy, and what to expect below. Keep reading.
What is Salpingo-Oophorectomy?
If your doctor recommends the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, they are referring to salpingo-oophorectomy, a complex surgical procedure. This surgery gets its name from the two involved procedures, salpingectomy, or the removal of the tubes or fallopian tubes, and oophorectomy, the removal of the ovaries or an ovary.
There are two types of this surgical procedure. These include the following:
- Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Women who are planning to conceive in the future and who have cancer confined to a single side may be suitable candidates for unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. After having children, medical professionals may advise the removal of the remaining ovary, uterus, and fallopian tube.
On the other hand, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be performed for known cancer, or it can be a suitable option to lessen the chances of breast cancer or ovarian cancer (usually in female patients with BRCA gene mutations). Moreover, females with certain ovarian mass types or cysts may require bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Unfortunately, women who undergo a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy cannot produce their own eggs in the future. Moreover, this surgical procedure may cause surgical menopause. If you are a candidate for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, speak to your doctor about the potential side effects and risks associated with this procedure. If you are on the search for highly-esteemed professionals with years of successful results, reach out to the Comprehensive OBGYN of the Palm Beaches. You can read more about our team on our website.
In some cases, surgeons will remove healthy fallopian tubes and ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer in females who have a high chance of this disease. In this case, the surgical procedure is a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.
The good news is that this surgical procedure is highly effective in decreasing the chances of ovarian and breast cancer.
That said, some women may need total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Women who require this surgical procedure will have their cervix and uterus removed as well. Total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy may be the only solution for women who are dealing with heavy periods, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and cancer.
Who May Need an Ovary Removal Surgery?
The removal of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes may be required in the following cases:
- Endometriosis
- Benign tumors, abscesses, and cysts
- Ovarian cancer
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic infection
- Ovarian torsion
Doctors may also recommend salpingo-oophorectomy to reduce the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in women who are high-risk patients. For instance, females with the BRCA gene mutations are prone to these types of cancers. In these cases, the only cost-effective and effective option for reducing ovarian and breast malignancies is salpingo-oophorectomy.
Women who have their ovaries removed will be infertile. If you are premenopausal and you wish to have children in the future, you may want to consider this side effect.
How Do You Prepare for Salpingo-Oophorectomy?
Whether you are getting a unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, you want to know how to prepare well. Remember, once the fallopian tubes and the ovaries are removed, you will stop having your regular periods, and you will not be able to conceive. If you wish to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about possible options.
We recommend consulting a fertility expert before undergoing unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Women who undergo this surgical procedure will reach full menopause. Additionally, these female patients will experience other bodily effects due to the sudden estrogen loss. Discuss the possible complications and what to expect from your surgical procedure with your doctor.
There are three ways to perform salpingo-oophorectomy. These include using a robotic arm, a laparoscope, or a large incision. Talk to your doctor about the possible surgical methods and which one is your best choice.
You may also want to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of hormone replacement therapy. Namely, since most of the progesterone and estrogen are produced by the ovaries, you will experience significant changes in your body. If you are taking hormones and medications or you are planning to do so, talk to your doctor first.
Here are a few tips on ovary removal surgery:
- Stock up your hospital bag with socks, slippers, toiletries, and a robe. Always bring loose-fitting and comfortable clothes.
- Someone will have to drive you back from the hospital.
- You may require help around the house post-surgery.
- If you are employed, you will want to stay at home and rest.
- Consider meal prepping to make your life easier post-surgery.
Finally, always talk to your doctor about further instructions.
What Happens During an Oophorectomy Procedure?
There are three ways to approach salpingo-oophorectomy. Usually, the procedure will take anywhere from one to four hours.
These three ways include:
- Laparoscopic surgery: Your surgeon will administer local or general anesthesia and check your pelvic organs with a laparoscope. This procedure involves small incisions.
- Robotic surgery: Instead of a laparoscope, the surgeon uses a special robotic arm to check, locate, and remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Similar to laparoscopic surgery, the professional makes small incisions.
- Open abdominal surgery: This type of surgery is traditional, and the surgeon will use general anesthesia. An incision is made in the abdomen, and the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed via the incision. Finally, the doctor stitches, staples, or glues the incision.
Recovery After Oophorectomy
Robotic or laparoscopic surgery may require an overnight stay at the hospital, but in some cases, the procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Patients who undergo open abdominal surgery may need a couple of days in the hospital.
Patients may have had bandages over the incisions post-surgery. The doctor will instruct you on the recovery process and when the bandages may be removed. Never put ointments or lotions on your wounds. Always keep the wounds dry and clean.
In most cases, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent possible infection. Some patients, such as those who underwent open surgery, may require pain medication.
Ovary Removal Surgery: Potential Risks
Although this procedure is relatively complication-free and safe, side effects can always happen. For example, some risks include an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, infection, or bleeding.
Other possible risks and side effects include:
- Hernia
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Injury to the urinary tract
- Bowel obstruction
- Scar tissue formation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor:
- Fever
- Opening of your wound or drainage
- Swelling or redness at the site of the incision
- Chest pain
- Fainting
Above all, always choose experienced healthcare professionals at a reliable clinic. If you have any questions or concerns related to your health, schedule an appointment with Comprehensive OB-GYN of the Palm Beaches today.