Oopherectomy

About This Procedure

An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of a woman’s ovaries. The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus. They are key components of a woman's reproductive system as they store and nurture eggs as well as produce estrogen and progesterone.

Before deciding to have surgery, ask your doctor or nurse what to expect after the procedure. Many women notice changes in their body and in how they feel about themselves. Talk with your doctor, nurse, family and friends about these possible changes before you have surgery.

Recovery after an oophorectomy can take several weeks.

Even after oophorectomy, women in high-risk groups for ovarian cancer still have a risk for the development of cancer in the peritoneum (the thin membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen).

Why would you need an oophorectomy?

When one or both ovaries need removed, an oophorectomy is performed. Oophorectomy can be used to treat women for:

• Ovarian cancer
• Non-cancerous ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis
• Issues with both the fallopian tube and ovary

Oophorectomy significantly reduces the risk for ovarian cancer. When it is used to specifically prevent ovarian cancer in high-risk women, the procedure is approximately 95% protective against ovarian cancer and is recommended for women at high risk for ovarian cancer.

Types of oophorectomies

A bilateral oophorectomy is the removal of both ovaries.

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of both fallopian tubes plus both ovaries.

A minimally invasive oophorectomy may use robotic-assisted technology to make smaller cuts and reduce healing time. Typically there is still a short hospital stay associated with a robotic-assisted, minimally invasive oophorectomy.

Oophorectomy can also be performed or combined with hysterectomy.

Does oophorectomy cause menopause?

Premenopausal women should be aware that oophorectomy causes immediate menopause, which can increase risk for several health problems, including osteoporosis and heart disease. Estrogen replacement can help offset challenges. Women who have a bilateral oophorectomy and do not receive hormone replacement therapy may experience more severe hot flashes than women who naturally enter menopause.