Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: what to know

The surgeon removes the womb and cervix together with tissues beside the cervix. Removing both tubes and ovaries is called bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Nearby lymph nodes may also be assessed, depending on the cancer and the planned operation. Because the ovaries make reproductive hormones, their removal can bring on surgical menopause if you have not already reached menopause. Fertility is lost after removal of the uterus.

This operation may be discussed for cervical cancer and selected womb conditions. The exact extent depends on examination, scans, biopsy findings and whether other treatment is needed.

Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous operations and any bladder or bowel symptoms. Arrange help at home, keep the wound clean as instructed, walk short distances as advised, and avoid lifting or strenuous activity until your surgical team clears it. Ask about pain relief, catheter care, bowel changes, hormone symptoms and when driving or work may be sensible.

Your follow-up plan may include a wound review and discussion of the laboratory results. The [Radical Hysterectomy](/treatments/surgical-oncology/radical-hysterectomy/) page explains the procedure in more detail.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening pain, increasing redness or discharge from the wound, heavy vaginal bleeding, inability to pass urine, repeated vomiting, or a leg that becomes newly swollen and painful. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or new confusion.

Ask which organs and lymph nodes will be removed, why the ovaries are included, what menopause symptoms to expect, how fertility and sexual function may be affected, whether hormone treatment is suitable, and which symptoms require an immediate call.