Oophorectomy: What you need to know

Has your doctor ever told you about an oophorectomy, a surgery to remove your ovaries ? Or are you scared and worried about the word? It's actually a bit scary. But don't worry. We'll talk about it all very simply, answering all the questions you have in mind.

Simply put, an oophorectomy is the surgical removal of one or both of your ovaries. A woman has two ovaries. These are the ones that produce hormones that control your monthly menstrual cycle . These hormones are also important for bone and heart health. In addition, these ovaries produce the eggs needed to conceive a child. This surgery is usually done as a treatment for a medical condition or to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer .

Are there different types of oophorectomy surgery?

Yes, your doctor will determine the type of surgery that is right for you based on your condition and medical history. These are the main types:

This surgery is usually performed by a gynecologist (Ob/Gyn). The surgery is performed after you are fully anesthetized , meaning you are unconscious.

Why do you need this surgery?

There are several reasons why this surgery may be performed. Your doctor will explain the reasons to you, but in general, the following reasons are involved:

• Endometriosis: The growth of cells that line the uterus in other parts of the body, especially the ovaries.
• Benign Cysts: Cysts that form in the ovaries that are not cancerous, but cause pain or other problems.
• To reduce the risk of cancer: This surgery is recommended to reduce the risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer in those who are at high risk, especially those with genetic mutations such as `BRCA`.
• Ovarian Cancer: As a treatment for ovarian cancer.
• Ovarian Torsion: An ovary twists around its blood vessels, causing severe pain. This is an emergency.
• Infection: A severe infection (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - PID) of the ovaries or surrounding fallopian tubes.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Before surgery, your doctor will explain the surgery, its risks, and the recovery time to you. He or she may also ask you to have these tests:

• Physical exam
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Ultrasound scan
• MRI scan

Remember, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. It will give you a great deal of mental strength to face the surgery knowing everything clearly.

What are the methods of performing the surgery?

There are three main methods for removing ovaries.

1. Laparoscopic approach: This is the most commonly used and simplest method. The ovary is removed through several small incisions in your abdomen, a camera is inserted through one, and surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions. This method has a lower risk of infection and a shorter recovery time. Sometimes a robotic arm is used for this purpose.

2. Vaginal approach: This is also a simple method. If you are having a hysterectomy, you can also have your ovaries removed through the vagina at the same time. This also has a shorter recovery time.

3. Open Surgery (Laparotomy): In some cases, especially if there is a large tumor or cancer, an open surgery may be performed by making a larger incision in the abdomen. This method takes a little longer to heal, and the risks are slightly higher than other methods.

If you have a laparoscopic procedure, you may be able to go home the same day, or you may only have to stay in the hospital overnight. However, if you have an open surgery, you may have to stay in the hospital for two or three days.

What should I expect after surgery?

Menopause

This is what many people fear. If you have both ovaries removed, and you are not yet menopausal, you will suddenly go into menopause after the surgery. This is because the production of hormones that control the menstrual cycle stops. This can cause symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Risk of osteoporosis

Your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy to control these symptoms, but this will depend on your health condition.

Recovery time

The recovery time is not the same for everyone, but in general, you will need to rest for about two to six weeks.

• Don't exercise (walking is better).
• Don't lift weights.
• Don't have sex.
• Keep the incision clean and dry.
• Use the painkillers and other medications prescribed by the doctor exactly as prescribed.
• Don't hesitate to ask for help from family and friends during this time.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

When you go home after surgery, be on the lookout for these symptoms. If you have any of these , call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• Swelling or redness at the incision site.
• Pus or other fluid draining from the cut.
• Severe pain in the hip area.
• Swelling or pain in the legs (this could be a sign of a blood clot).
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever or chills.
• Pain when urinating.
• A foul-smelling or itchy vaginal discharge.

An oophorectomy is a big decision. You may have many questions and fears about how it will affect your life. Talk to your doctor about all of these things. They are there to help you.