Oophorectomy Overview

Definition

Oophorectomy is the removal of one or both ovaries. This may be combined with removing the fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy). Removal of the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes are often done as part of a complete or total hysterectomy .

The Female Reproductive System

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What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do the following:

Physical exam
Blood and urine tests
Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine the inside of the body
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body

Leading up to your procedure:

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
The night before, eat a light dinner. Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight.
Arrange for a ride home and for help at home.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia may be used for open or laparoscopic surgery—You will be asleep.

Local anesthesia may be used for a laparoscopic procedure—The area will be numbed.

Description of Procedure

There are two different methods:

Abdominal Incision

A cut will be made either horizontally (side to side) across the pubic hair line or vertically (up and down) from navel to pubic bone. Horizontal (bikini) incisions leave less of a scar. Vertical incisions give the surgeon a better view inside the abdomen. The abdominal muscles will be pulled apart. The surgeon will be able to see the ovaries. The blood vessels will be tied off. This will help to prevent bleeding. The ovaries, and often the fallopian tubes, will be removed. The cut will be closed with staples or stitches.

Laparoscopic Procedure

The laparoscope is a thin tool with a tiny camera on the end. It will be inserted through a small cut near the navel. This will let the surgeon see the pelvic organs on a video monitor. Other small cuts will be made. Special tools will be inserted through these cuts. The tools will be used to cut and tie off the blood vessels and fallopian tubes. The ovaries will be detached. They will then be removed through a small incision at the top of the vagina. The ovaries may also be cut into smaller sections and removed through the tiny cuts in the abdominal wall. The cuts will be closed with stitches. This will leave small scars.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be moved to a recovery area. The removed organs will be sent to a lab for examination.

How Long Will It Take?

1-4 hours

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will block pain during the surgery. You will feel discomfort after your oophorectomy. Women report less pain after a laparoscopic procedure than an abdominal incision procedure. Talk to your doctor about medicine to help manage any pain.

Average Hospital Stay

Abdominal incision—2-5 days

Laparoscopic procedure—1 day

Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:

On the first night, you may be instructed to sit up in bed and walk a short distance.
During the next morning, the IV will probably be removed if you are eating and drinking well.
You may need to wear special socks or boots to help prevent blood clots.
You may have a foley catheter for a short time to help you urinate.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Follow your doctor's instructions .
Take proper care of the incision site. This will help to prevent an infection.
Preferably, take showers instead of baths.
Slowly increase your activities. Begin with light chores, short walks, and some driving. Depending on your job, you may be able to return to work. Returning to normal activities takes 2-6 weeks, depending on the type of surgery.
To promote healing, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables .
Try to avoid constipation by:

Eating high-fiber foods
Drinking plenty of water
Using stool softeners if needed
Ask your doctor when you can resume sexual activity.
Some women may have emotional distress after their ovaries are removed. Counseling and/or a support group may help.

You will stop menstruating if both of your ovaries are removed. Also, you will not be able to get pregnant. If one ovary or even just a portion of an ovary remains, you will still menstruate and may be able to get pregnant.

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References

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/

National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/

References:

Cancer of the ovary. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp096.cfm . Accessed June 8, 2008.

Endometrial cancer treatment. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/endometrial/Patient/page4#Keypoint14 . Accessed June 8, 2008.

Rosenfeld LE. Women and heart disease. Yale University School of Medicine Heart Book website. Available at: http://www.med.yale.edu/library/heartbk/ . Accessed February 20, 2008.