Oophorectomy

Oophorectomy is an operation to remove one or both ovaries, using keyhole or open surgery depending on the situation.

It may be performed alone or with removal of nearby tissue, such as a fallopian tube or uterus. Removing one ovary usually leaves the other ovary able to release hormones and eggs; removing both causes an immediate loss of ovarian hormone production and fertility.

After surgery, the team monitors pain, nausea, bleeding, urine output and movement. Keyhole surgery often involves several small abdominal incisions, while open surgery uses a larger incision and may need a longer recovery. Walking gently, taking prescribed pain relief and keeping wounds clean are part of early care.

At home, fatigue can outlast the skin healing. Avoid lifting and strenuous activity until your surgeon clears it, and attend follow-up to review pathology, wounds and any hormone-related symptoms. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, worsening abdominal pain, fever, breathlessness or a painful swollen leg.

Every operation has possible complications, and the individual likelihood depends on the technique, health and reason for surgery. Possible problems include bleeding, infection, blood clots, damage to the bowel, bladder or blood vessels, anaesthetic reactions, adhesions and a need for further treatment. Ask the surgeon which risks apply to your operation rather than relying on a general figure.

Removal can treat a problem located in an ovary, reduce ovarian cancer risk in some people with a BRCA gene mutation, or form part of cancer treatment. It cannot prevent every pelvic condition, and symptoms may have another source. The expected benefit, pathology result and need for further treatment should be discussed before consent.

The operation may remove one ovary, both ovaries, or an ovary with its fallopian tube. Menstrual cycles and fertility can continue after one ovary is removed if the uterus and remaining ovary function. Removal of both ovaries can bring hot flushes, sleep changes, vaginal dryness and bone or cardiovascular health considerations earlier than natural menopause.

It may be considered for an ovarian mass, torsion, endometriosis, persistent symptoms, ovarian cancer or risk reduction after specialist genetic counselling. The decision weighs age, fertility wishes, symptoms, imaging, family history and whether the ovary can be safely preserved.

You have a preoperative assessment and anaesthetic discussion. In theatre, the surgeon reaches the ovaries through keyhole ports or an open incision, separates blood supply and surrounding tissue, removes the planned ovary or ovaries, and sends tissue for examination. The team closes the incisions and monitors you as you wake.

The hospital stay depends on the surgical route and your progress. Gentle walking is encouraged early, but driving, work, sex and heavier exercise need individual clearance. If both ovaries are removed, discuss hormone replacement and non-hormonal symptom support before discharge when appropriate.

Alongside surgical complications, removing ovarian tissue can affect fertility and hormone levels. Adhesions may contribute to later pelvic discomfort or bowel symptoms. A pathology result may change the treatment plan, so make sure you know how it will be communicated and who will coordinate further care.

Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives may include observation with repeat imaging, medication, cyst treatment that preserves ovarian tissue, or a different operation. For inherited cancer risk, specialist counselling is needed to compare timing, ovarian removal and other risk-management choices.

Look for a gynaecological surgeon who can explain the planned route, whether the tube or uterus may also be removed, fertility-preserving options and hormone follow-up. Bring your medication list, prior operations and family cancer history to the consultation.