What should you know about oophorectomy and salpingectomy?

The ovaries release eggs and make hormones. Removing one ovary may leave the other able to function, while removing both causes an immediate loss of ovarian hormone production and ends the ability to release eggs. The fallopian tubes carry an egg toward the uterus; removing them does not by itself remove the uterus or stop ovarian hormone production. A surgeon may recommend one operation or both for conditions such as an ovarian mass, infection, cancer risk, or an ectopic pregnancy.

The approach may be laparoscopic, using small incisions, or open surgery when the situation or anatomy calls for it. Fertility, menstrual bleeding, hormone symptoms, and the possibility of hormone treatment should be discussed before surgery.

Before surgery, review the reason for each removal, whether tissue will be examined, and which organs will remain. Ask about medicines to pause, fasting, transport home, wound care, activity limits, and follow-up. Recovery commonly includes fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and gradual return to movement. If both ovaries are removed before natural menopause, ask about symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep change, vaginal dryness, and bone or heart health, and which options are suitable for you.

Contact the surgical team urgently for worsening pain, fever, repeated vomiting, heavy vaginal bleeding, a swollen or painful wound, pus, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or a painful swollen leg. Sudden severe pain, fainting, or collapse needs emergency assessment, especially when surgery was performed for a suspected ectopic pregnancy.

Ask which ovary and tubes will be removed, whether fertility can be preserved, how the operation will be performed, what pathology may show, and how hormone changes will be managed. Clarify warning signs and the expected follow-up plan.