An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of a woman's ovaries. The surgery is usually performed to prevent or treat certain conditions, such as ovarian cancer or endometriosis.
An oophorectomy comes with its own risks and complications, so a person should always discuss their options with a doctor prior to surgery.
The surgery only lasts a few hours, but recovery times can vary. Self-care is an important part of recovery, and it is crucial to discuss recovery with a doctor beforehand to avoid unwanted complications.
The removal of a woman's ovaries is known as an oophorectomy.
The term oophorectomy is used to describe the surgical removal of one or both of the ovaries. It is also called ovariectomy.
The surgery may just remove the ovaries, or it may be a part of a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus and possibly some surrounding structures.
There are different reasons for an oophorectomy, including:
Women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes may be more likely to experience certain types of cancer and may choose to have an oophorectomy, as a preventive measure.
Oophorectomy is a broad term for a medical procedure that removes one or both ovaries, but there are different types of oophorectomies that can be done.
During laparoscopic surgery, a thin, cord-like instrument is inserted into a small cut near the navel. A tiny camera allows the surgeon to see and remove the ovary or ovaries.
The process may leave less noticeable scars and have a shorter recovery time than open abdominal surgery.