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Oophorectomy
Oophorectomy
What is Oophorectomy?
Oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries. Oophorectomy is used as a treatment for pelvic diseases like ovarian cancer. It may also be recommended if ovarian hormones may be the cause of breast cancer and severe endometriosis. If ovaries are removed to reduce chances of developing ovarian cancer in future, it is known as prophylactic oophorectomy.
Types of Oophorectomy:
- Unilateral Oophorectomy:
The removal of one ovary is called unilateral oophorectomy. After a unilateral oophorectomy, a woman will still menstruate and can have children. - Bilateral Oophorectomy:
The removal of both the ovaries is known as bilateral oophorectomy. After a bilateral oophorectomy, a woman will stop menstruating and will not be able to have children.
Surgical methods used for Oophorectomy:
Oophorectomy may be performed either by laparotomy or by a laparoscopic method.
- Laparotomy: Laparotomy is most often used in cases of cancer, where the surgeon needs to get a clear view of the abdominal cavity and tissues that surround it.
- During a laparotomy, a long vertical or horizontal incision is made on the patient's abdomen below the navel.
- The surgeon stretches apart the abdominal muscles to reveal the ovaries.
- The blood vessels are tied to avoid bleeding and then the ovaries are removed.
- The incision is closed with stitches or staples.
- Laparoscopic Oophorectomy:
- In a laparoscopic oophorectomy, a laparoscope is inserted through a tiny incision near the navel. A laparoscope is an endoscopic tube with a camera and light attached to it, which enables the surgeon to view the pelvic organs.
- Other tiny incisions are also made through which surgical instruments are inserted to detach the ovaries.
- A tiny incision at the top vagina is made to remove the ovaries.
- The ovaries may also be divided into smaller segments and removed.
- The incisions are closed with stitches.
How to prepare for Oophorectomy?
- The patient is required to do some blood and urine test, and will be physically examined by the doctor.
- Ultrasound, CT scan and X-ray may also be recommended.
- The patient is interviewed by an anesthesiologist to determine the type of anesthesia that will be used.
- If the surgery is anticipated to be extensive, a colon preparation may be done.
- The patient may be required to stop taking certain medication a week before the surgery.
How much time is required?
The procedure requires only 1-4 hours and the hospital stay is for about 3-5 days
What type of anesthesia will be given?
Regional or General Anesthesia
How will patient recover?
- During hospitalization, the patient is first instructed to sit up and walk for a while.
- In the following morning, intravenous tubes will be removed if the patient starts eating and drinking normally.
- The patient may be required to wear special socks to prevent clotting.
- A catheter may be used to help the patient urinate.
- The patient may feel some discomfort after the surgery. Antibiotics may be provided to prevent an infection.
- If both ovaries are removed, the patients who are not affected by cancer may start hormone replacement therapy.
- The patient may require 2 to 6 weeks to fully recover from the surgery.
What should be cared?
- The patient should follow the doctor's instructions carefully.
- The incision area should be dressed properly to prevent an infection.
- The patient is advised to take showers instead of baths.
- The patient should follow a low fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with an adequate intake of calcium.
- The patient should drink plenty of water and eat high fiber food to avoid constipation.
- The patient is required to get plenty of exercise after recovery to prevent heart and bone diseases.
- Chemotherapy may be started for patients with cancer.
- Patients who are affected by psychological trauma after the surgery may be required to get counseling.
The doctor should be informed if the following symptoms occur:
- Fever and chills
- Severe vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Severe pain that is not controlled by medicines
- Nausea and vomiting
- Infection, swelling and bleeding from the incision area
- Urinating difficulty
- Leg pain, swelling or redness
- Coughing
- Chest pain and breathing difficulty
- Depression
