An Informative Guide To Ovary Removal Surgery
Oophorectomy, or ovary removal is a surgical procedure that removes either one of your ovaries or both of them. Your ovaries are organs that are located in your pelvis on either side of your uterus. They contain eggs and are also responsible for the production of hormones that are in control of you menstrual cycle.
While this surgery can be performed alone, it is often done along side a hysterectomy to remove the uterus. It can also be combined with a salpingectomy which is a surgery to remove your fallopian tubes, since essentially, they actually share blood with the ovaries. When both ovaries are removed it is called a bilateral oophorectomy.
Reasons For Ovary Removal
- A tube-ovarian abscess which is a pocket that is filled with pus involving an ovary and a fallopian tube
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cancer
- Noncancerous ovarian cysts or tumors
- An attempt to reduce the risk of both ovarian and breast cancer
- Ovarian torsion which is a twisting of an ovary
Risks Associated With Surgery
For the most part, ovary removal is considered a safe procedure carrying only a few risks including:
- Infection
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to organs that are close by
- Rupture of a tumor that could expel cancerous cells into your body
- Sever pelvic pain
Premature Menopause Risks
If both ovaries are removed in women that have not yet experienced menopause, premature menopause will often occur. This can deprive your body of needed hormones which could result in complications including:
- Menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes
- Anxiety or extreme depression
- Memory problems
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Decreased sex drive
- Premature death
Research suggests that if you take hormone replacement drugs in low doses until you around 50 years old, you may significantly reduce your risk of being affected by any of these complications. However, hormone replacement therapy also comes with its own set or risks so these options should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor.
Preparation For Surgery
To prepare for ovary removal you will be asked to drink a specific solution the day prior to your surgery to clean out your intestines. You will also not be able to eat the day prior and certain medication will need to be discontinued. Antibiotics will be prescribed that you will need to start taking prior to prevent infection and you will probably need to undergo a series of imaging tests such as a computerized tomography or an ultrasound for the surgeon to prepare.
If you still want to have children, you should discuss your options with your doctor. In some cases, you may only need to have ovary removal done on one side so you can still have your menstrual cycle and conceive naturally. If both ovaries need to be removed but you still have your uterus, you have a chance of becoming pregnant with the help of assisted reproductive technology. Your doctor will be able to refer you to speak with a fertility specialist who will be able to discuss your options with you in detail.
What To Expect After Surgery
After your ovary removal surgery, you can expect to spend a few hours in recovery to allow time and observation as your anesthesia wears off, then you will be transferred to a hospital room. Depending on your procedure, you may spend as little as a few hours here before you are released or as long as a few days. It is recommended to get up and walk as soon as you can without causing yourself any pain, to help speed up your recovery.