Salpingo-Oophorectomy

What this procedure is

A salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgery to remove one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes. The ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs that store eggs and produce hormones. The fallopian tubes are the paths that eggs travel through to reach the uterus (womb). This procedure is often performed to address health issues in the pelvic area or to lower the risk of certain diseases.

If only one ovary and one tube are removed, it is called a unilateral procedure. If both sides are removed, it is called bilateral. While this surgery is sometimes done at the same time as a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), it can also be done as a standalone procedure depending on your specific health needs.

What it treats or fixes

Your clinician may recommend this procedure for several different reasons. It is commonly used to treat or manage:

• Ovarian cancer or other cancers that may spread to the pelvic organs.
• Non-cancerous growths, such as large cysts, abscesses (pockets of infection), or benign tumors.
• Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places, often causing pain.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is a serious infection of the reproductive organs.
• Ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg begins to grow outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.

In some cases, people who have a high genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer may choose this surgery as a preventive measure to lower their future risk of developing these diseases.

How common it is & where it's done

This is a very common gynecological surgery performed frequently across North America. Because it is a standard procedure, many surgeons are highly experienced in performing it using modern techniques.

The surgery typically takes place in a hospital or a specialized surgical center. Your clinician may use a laparoscopic approach, which involves making a few very small incisions and using a tiny camera to guide the tools. In other situations, an open surgery (laparotomy) with a larger incision may be necessary to allow the surgeon better access to the area. Many patients are able to return home the same day or after a short stay in the hospital for observation.

Recovery: What to Expect

A salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgery to remove one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes (the tubes that carry eggs to the uterus). Most people can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Your clinician may suggest that you rest for several days and avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks to allow your body to heal.

During your recovery, you might feel some mild discomfort or tiredness. Walking around your home can help improve blood flow and speed up your healing. Your care team will provide specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can return to your normal daily activities.

Risks & Possible Complications

While this procedure is generally safe, all surgeries carry some risks. These may include minor bleeding, infection, or a reaction to the medicine used to make you sleep during surgery. In some cases, nearby organs like the bladder or bowel could be affected, though your surgical team takes great care to prevent this.

It is important to watch for signs that you might need extra care. You should call your clinician if you experience:

• A fever or chills.
• Redness, swelling, or drainage from your incision site.
• Severe pain that does not improve with your prescribed medicine.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The long-term results depend on whether one or both ovaries were removed. If only one ovary is removed, you will likely continue to have periods and may still be able to get pregnant. If both ovaries are removed, you will enter menopause, which means your periods will stop and you can no longer become pregnant naturally.

Because the ovaries produce hormones like estrogen, removing both can lead to symptoms like hot flashes or vaginal dryness. Your clinician may discuss hormone replacement therapy or other options to help manage these changes and keep your bones healthy. Many patients find that the surgery successfully addresses their health concerns, such as reducing pain or lowering the risk of certain diseases.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is completely normal to feel a mix of emotions after this surgery. Some people feel a sense of relief, while others may feel sad about the changes to their body or fertility. These feelings are a natural part of the healing process.

You do not have to go through this alone. Your healthcare team is there to listen to your concerns and provide guidance. Many people find it helpful to talk with a counselor or join a support group to share their experiences with others who have had similar procedures. Taking time for yourself and focusing on your recovery can help you feel more like yourself again.

Why doctors recommend it

A salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgery to remove one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Your clinician may recommend this procedure to treat or prevent several different health conditions. One of the most common reasons is to treat ovarian cancer or to lower the risk of cancer for people with a high genetic risk, such as those with the BRCA gene mutation.

Other reasons your doctor might suggest this surgery include:

• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often causing pain or scarring.
• Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary that do not go away or cause discomfort.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): A serious infection of the reproductive organs.
• Benign tumors: Non-cancerous growths that may cause pain or press on other organs.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In many situations, this surgery is a planned (elective) procedure. This means you and your care team have time to discuss the options and prepare for the surgery in advance. Planned surgeries are often used for risk reduction or to manage chronic pelvic pain that has not improved with other treatments like medication.

Sometimes, the surgery must be performed more quickly. Urgent or emergency surgery may be needed for:

• Ovarian torsion: This happens when an ovary twists around the tissues that support it, cutting off blood flow.
• Ectopic pregnancy: This is a pregnancy that starts growing inside a fallopian tube instead of the uterus. It can be life-threatening if the tube ruptures.
• Ruptured abscess: A pocket of infection that has burst or is at risk of bursting.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of a salpingo-oophorectomy is to improve your overall health and prevent future complications. If the surgery is performed for cancer prevention, the goal is to significantly lower the chance of developing cancer in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. For those dealing with chronic conditions, the main goal is often to provide long-term relief from pelvic pain and pressure.

Success in this treatment typically means:

• Removing diseased, damaged, or high-risk tissue safely.
• Stopping the spread of a severe infection.
• Resolving an emergency situation, such as internal bleeding or a twisted ovary.

Your clinician will talk with you about what success looks like for your specific situation. They will help you understand how removing these organs may affect your hormones or fertility, and they will work with you to create a plan for your recovery and long-term wellness.

Who may benefit

A salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgery to remove one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Your clinician may recommend this procedure to treat or prevent several different health conditions. For many people, this surgery helps relieve chronic pain or reduces the risk of serious illness.

Common reasons for this surgery include:

• Ovarian cancer or other cancers: To remove tumors or prevent cancer from spreading to the reproductive organs.
• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often causing pain or cysts (endometriomas).
• Noncancerous growths: This includes large cysts or benign (non-cancerous) tumors that cause discomfort or pressure in the pelvis.
• Infection: Such as a pelvic abscess or severe pelvic inflammatory disease that does not improve with medicine.
• Risk reduction: People with certain inherited gene changes, such as BRCA mutations, may choose this surgery to lower their high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
• Emergency needs: This may include an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy growing outside the uterus) or ovarian torsion, which happens when an ovary twists and cuts off its own blood supply.

When it may not be the right option

While this surgery is common, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Your clinician will look at your overall health and your goals for the future before suggesting surgery. For example, if you hope to become pregnant in the future, your care team may look for ways to save at least one ovary and tube if it is medically safe to do so.

Another factor is "surgical menopause." If both ovaries are removed before you have gone through natural menopause, your body will stop making certain hormones immediately. This can lead to sudden symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and bone thinning. If these risks outweigh the benefits, your clinician may suggest alternative treatments like hormone therapy or closer monitoring instead of surgery.

Finally, surgery may be delayed if you have other serious health issues that make general anesthesia or healing difficult. In some cases, small or simple cysts that are not causing pain may be watched over time with ultrasounds rather than being removed right away.

Questions to ask your care team

Deciding on surgery is a big step. It can be helpful to bring a list of questions to your next appointment to help you feel more confident in your choice. You might consider asking:

• Why do you recommend removing both the tubes and the ovaries instead of just one?
• Are there non-surgical treatments, like medication, that we should try first?
• How will this surgery affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?
• If I haven't reached menopause yet, what symptoms should I expect immediately after surgery?
• What are the risks if I decide to wait or not have the surgery at this time?
• Will this procedure be done through small incisions (laparoscopically) or a larger abdominal opening?

In the procedure room

When you are moved into the operating room, the surgical team will help you get settled onto a padded table. You will likely see several monitors and pieces of equipment used to keep you safe. An intravenous (IV) line is usually placed in your arm or hand to provide fluids and medicine.

The team will perform a final safety check, often called a "time-out," to confirm your identity and the details of the surgery. This is a standard step to ensure everyone is ready and focused on your care.

High-level steps

The surgeon typically performs this procedure in one of two ways:

• Laparoscopic surgery: Your clinician makes a few very small cuts in your abdomen. They insert a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to see inside. Small tools are used to carefully detach the ovaries and fallopian tubes from the surrounding blood vessels and tissue.
• Open surgery (Laparotomy): The surgeon makes one larger incision in the abdomen to reach the organs directly. This method may be used depending on your specific health needs.

Once the organs are removed, the surgeon closes the incisions using stitches, staples, or surgical glue. In some cases, a small bandage or dressing is placed over the area to keep it clean.

Anesthesia and pain control

Most patients receive general anesthesia, which is medicine that puts you into a deep sleep so you will not feel any pain or be aware of the surgery. An anesthesia provider stays with you the entire time to monitor your comfort and safety.

Your clinician may also use a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) around the incision sites. This helps reduce soreness when you first wake up. After the procedure, your care team will provide pain relief through your IV or in pill form to keep you comfortable.

Monitoring and safety steps

Throughout the entire procedure, the surgical team monitors your vital signs, including your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. This constant check helps ensure your body is responding well to the anesthesia and the surgery.

The team also follows strict sterile procedures to prevent infection. They use specialized tools to carefully seal blood vessels as the organs are removed, which helps minimize bleeding. Every step is designed to prioritize your safety and a smooth recovery.

Immediately after the procedure

You will be moved to a recovery room where nurses will watch you closely as the anesthesia wears off. It is normal to feel groggy or sleepy for a while. You might also have a dry or slightly sore throat if a breathing tube was used during the surgery.

You may notice some mild pressure or soreness in your abdomen. If your surgery was done laparoscopically, you might feel some temporary discomfort in your shoulders. This is caused by the gas used to inflate the abdomen during surgery and usually goes away quickly as you move around.

Typical procedure length

A salpingo-oophorectomy usually takes between 1 and 4 hours to complete. The exact time depends on the surgical method used and your individual health history. Your surgical team will give your loved ones an update once the procedure is finished.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Your surgical team will recommend the best way to perform the surgery based on your medical history and the reason for the procedure. There are two main ways surgeons reach the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

• Minimally invasive surgery: This includes laparoscopic or robotic surgery. The surgeon makes a few tiny cuts (incisions) in your abdomen. They insert a thin tube with a camera and special tools to remove the organs. This approach often leads to a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
• Open surgery (laparotomy): The surgeon makes one larger incision across the belly. This may be necessary if the ovary is very large, if there is a lot of scar tissue from past surgeries, or if cancer is suspected. This approach allows the surgeon to see the area directly but usually requires a longer recovery time.

Partial vs total

The terms used for this surgery describe how much tissue is removed. While a salpingo-oophorectomy specifically means removing both the tube and the ovary, the extent of the surgery can vary based on your needs.

• Unilateral (one side): The surgeon removes the ovary and fallopian tube on just one side. If you have not gone through menopause yet, the remaining ovary usually continues to release hormones, so you will not enter menopause immediately.
• Bilateral (both sides): The surgeon removes the ovaries and tubes from both the left and right sides. If you have not reached menopause, this will cause menopause to start right away because the body stops producing most of its estrogen.

Sometimes, a doctor may recommend removing only the fallopian tubes first to lower cancer risk, while leaving the ovaries in place to delay menopause. This is a different discussion to have with your clinician.

Revision or repeat procedures

Most patients only require one surgery to treat their condition. However, there are specific situations where a repeat or revision procedure might be discussed.

If you previously had a unilateral procedure (removing only one side), you may need a second surgery later to remove the remaining ovary and tube. This might happen if a cyst develops on the remaining ovary or if your risk for ovarian cancer changes over time.

In rare cases, a small piece of ovarian tissue may be unintentionally left behind during a difficult surgery, especially if there was severe scar tissue. If this tissue continues to grow or cause pain, a revision surgery might be needed to remove it completely.

Tests and imaging that may be done

To ensure you are healthy enough for surgery, your care team will likely perform a physical exam and review your medical history. They may also order a few standard tests to help the surgeon plan the procedure.

• Blood tests: These check your overall health and may be used to determine your blood type.
• Urine tests: If you are of childbearing age, a test is usually done to rule out pregnancy.
• Imaging scans: Your clinician may order an ultrasound or a CT scan. These create pictures of your ovaries and fallopian tubes so the surgeon can see their size and shape before the operation.

Medication adjustments

It is important to tell your care team about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Your clinician may ask you to stop taking certain medications a few days or weeks before your procedure. Common examples include:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Certain herbal supplements

Important: Only stop taking your medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so. Ask which medications, if any, you should take on the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Your care team will give you specific rules to follow to prepare your body for anesthesia. Following these instructions carefully helps prevent complications.

• Eating and drinking: You will likely be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This keeps your stomach empty to prevent nausea or aspiration (breathing food or fluid into the lungs) while you are under anesthesia.
• Bowel preparation: In some cases, you may be asked to take a laxative or use an enema to empty your bowels, though this is not always required.
• Hygiene: You may need to shower with a special antibacterial soap the night before or the morning of the procedure to lower the risk of infection.
• Arranging a ride: Because the anesthesia will make you drowsy, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Plan ahead to have a friend or family member drive you.
• What to wear: Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Leave jewelry, contact lenses, and valuables at home.

General surgical risks

Salpingo-oophorectomy is a common procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some general risks. Your surgical team takes many safety measures to prevent these issues and monitors you closely while you are in the hospital.

Common general risks associated with surgery include:

• Bleeding: Some blood loss is normal, but excessive bleeding is rare.
• Infection: This can occur at the incision site or internally.
• Blood clots: Clots can form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or travel to the lungs.
• Reaction to anesthesia: Some patients may have side effects from the medication used to put them to sleep.

Procedure-specific complications

Because the ovaries and fallopian tubes are located near other organs in the pelvis, there are specific risks related to this area. While serious damage is uncommon, it is possible for nearby structures to be affected during the operation.

Potential complications specific to this surgery include:

• Injury to nearby organs: There is a small risk of accidental damage to the bladder, bowel, or the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys (ureters).
• Nerve damage: Nerves in the pelvic area may be irritated or injured.
• Hernia: A bulge may form at the incision site if the abdominal wall weakens during healing.
• Sudden menopause: If both ovaries are removed, your body will enter menopause immediately. This can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.

How complications are treated

Most complications are treatable, especially when caught early. Your care team will give you instructions on what to watch for during your recovery, such as fever or heavy bleeding.

If complications do occur, clinicians have standard ways to manage them:

• Infections are typically treated with antibiotics.
• Organ injury is usually repaired surgically, often during the initial procedure if it is noticed right away.
• Blood clots are managed with blood-thinning medications.
• Menopause symptoms may be managed with hormone replacement therapy or other medications, depending on your medical history and needs.

Pain control medicines

Your clinician may use a combination of medicines to keep you comfortable after surgery. This approach, often called "multimodal" pain relief, uses different types of medicine together to manage pain effectively while keeping side effects low.

• Acetaminophen: A common medicine used to reduce pain and fever.
• NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen that help reduce swelling and soreness.
• Opioids: Stronger prescription medicines that may be used for a short time if you have more intense discomfort.

Always tell your care team about any allergies or other medications you are taking. This helps them avoid drug interactions that could affect your safety.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. To help keep your recovery on track, your clinician may give you a dose of antibiotics through an IV (a small tube in your vein) shortly before your surgery begins.

In some situations, you might be asked to take a short course of antibiotic pills at home. Your care team will tailor this choice based on your medical history and any known drug sensitivities to ensure the medicine is safe for you.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

After any surgery, there is a small risk of blood clots forming in the legs. To lower this risk, your clinician may use medicines called anticoagulants, or "blood thinners." These help keep your blood from clotting too easily while you are less active during your initial recovery.

These medicines are often given as a small injection or a pill. Your team will also encourage you to walk as soon as you are able, as movement is one of the best ways to keep your blood flowing well. Your clinician will decide which prevention method is right for you based on your specific health needs and risk factors.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, it is important to act quickly if you notice signs of a medical emergency. Go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services immediately if you have:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by rest

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Your care team will give you specific instructions on when to contact them. Generally, you should reach out if you notice signs of infection, blood clots, or other issues during your recovery. Call your doctor if you experience:

• A fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad in an hour)
• Redness, warmth, swelling, or fluid draining from your incision sites
• Pain that gets worse or does not improve with your prescribed pain medicine
• Nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
• Pain, redness, or swelling in one of your legs (calf or thigh)
• Inability to urinate (pee) or move your bowels

Expected vs concerning symptoms

Knowing what is normal can help you feel more at ease during recovery. Most people feel tired and have some soreness near their incisions for a few weeks. You may also have light vaginal spotting or discharge.

However, symptoms should generally improve day by day. It is concerning if you feel worse over time rather than better. Be sure to report any foul-smelling discharge, worsening redness around your cuts, or abdominal swelling that increases. If something does not feel right, it is always safer to check with your clinician.

Non-surgical treatments

Your clinician may suggest medications as a first step depending on your diagnosis. For conditions like endometriosis—where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in other places—hormone therapy or pain relievers may help manage symptoms. These treatments aim to reduce pain and slow the growth of the tissue without the need for an operation.

If you have an infection, such as a tubo-ovarian abscess (a pocket of infection involving the fallopian tube and ovary), your care team might use strong antibiotics. In many cases, these medications can clear the infection and allow the body to heal. Surgery is typically considered only if the infection does not respond to these medicines.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting, also called active surveillance, involves monitoring your condition with regular exams and imaging tests like ultrasounds. This is often a common choice for small, fluid-filled cysts that do not cause symptoms. Many of these cysts are related to the normal menstrual cycle and often disappear on their own within a few months.

By waiting and watching, you and your clinician can see if the problem resolves without the need for an operation. This approach helps you avoid the risks of surgery while ensuring that any changes are caught early. If the cyst stays the same size or shrinks, surgery may not be necessary at all.

When surgery becomes the best option

There are specific signs that surgery may be the safest or most effective path forward. Your clinician may recommend a salpingo-oophorectomy if other treatments do not provide relief or if your health is at risk. Common reasons to move toward surgery include:

• A cyst or mass grows larger or changes in a way that looks suspicious on an ultrasound.
• You experience severe or constant pelvic pain that does not improve with medication.
• You have a high genetic risk for certain cancers, and removing the tubes and ovaries is the best way to lower that risk.
• An emergency occurs, such as ovarian torsion (when an ovary twists, cutting off its blood supply) or a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside the uterus).

In these cases, the benefits of removing the affected tissue often outweigh the risks of leaving it in place. Your clinician will help you weigh these factors based on your specific health needs and goals.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

A salpingo-oophorectomy (the surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) is typically performed in a hospital or a specialized surgical center. Most patients will work with the Department of Gynecology. If the surgery is being done to treat or prevent cancer, it may be managed by a Gynecologic Oncology department, which focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system.

These facilities are equipped for different types of procedures. Your clinician may perform the surgery using a minimally invasive approach, such as laparoscopy (using small cuts and a camera), or a traditional open surgery. Depending on your health needs, the hospital may offer this as an outpatient procedure where you go home the same day, or they may have a dedicated recovery unit for an overnight stay.

Patient resources and support services

Many hospitals provide resources to help you feel prepared and supported. This often includes pre-operative education, where nurses explain how to get ready for the procedure and what to expect during recovery. If the surgery is being done because of a high risk for certain diseases, the facility may offer genetic counseling to help you and your family understand your health history.

Support services often extend beyond the surgery itself. Many centers offer access to patient navigators who help coordinate your appointments and care. You may also find support groups through the hospital or local community organizations. These groups allow you to talk with others who have had similar surgeries, providing a space to share experiences and find emotional support.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

When deciding where to have your procedure, it can be helpful to ask specific questions about the facility and the surgical team. You may want to consider the following:

• How often does this hospital perform salpingo-oophorectomies?
• Does the facility offer minimally invasive options, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery?
• What kind of specialized staff, such as gynecologic oncologists or specialized nurses, are available?
• What resources are available if I have questions or concerns during my recovery at home?
• Is the surgical center conveniently located for my follow-up appointments?

Your clinician can help you understand which facility best meets your specific medical needs and recovery goals.

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

A salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgery to remove one or both ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Clinicians may recommend this procedure to treat several different health issues. One common reason is to treat or lower the risk of ovarian cancer, especially for people who have a high genetic risk due to certain gene mutations.

Other conditions that may be treated with this surgery include:

• Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places, such as on the ovaries or fallopian tubes, often causing pain.
• Ovarian cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that develop on an ovary. While many go away on their own, some may become large, painful, or suspicious for cancer.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection of the reproductive organs. In some cases, it can cause a tubo-ovarian abscess, which is a pocket of infection that may require surgery if it does not respond to medicine.
• Ovarian torsion: This happens when an ovary twists around the tissues that support it, which can cut off blood flow and cause a medical emergency.
• Benign tumors: Non-cancerous growths on the ovaries or tubes may be removed if they cause discomfort or other health concerns.

Related symptoms people search for

Many people who are candidates for this procedure experience symptoms that lead them to seek medical care. These symptoms can vary depending on the underlying condition, and your clinician can help determine if they are related to your ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Common symptoms that may be associated with these conditions include:

• Persistent pain or pressure in the pelvic area or lower abdomen.
• Frequent bloating or a feeling of fullness, even after eating very little.
• Changes in bathroom habits, such as needing to urinate more often or feeling a sudden urge to go.
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse.
• Irregular menstrual cycles or unusual spotting between periods.

Because these symptoms can be caused by many different health concerns, it is important to have a thorough evaluation. Your clinician may use imaging tests or blood work to better understand the cause of your discomfort and discuss whether surgery is an appropriate option for you.

Evidence overview

Salpingo-oophorectomy is a well-established surgical procedure that involves removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is widely accepted in the medical community as a standard treatment for various conditions, including ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and ectopic pregnancies. It is also a key preventive option for individuals with a high genetic risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer.

Surgeons frequently perform this operation using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy. This method uses small incisions and a camera, which medical evidence suggests often results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Safety notes and individualized care

While salpingo-oophorectomy is a common procedure, all surgeries involve some level of risk. Your healthcare team will review your medical history to ensure the surgery is as safe as possible for you. General risks associated with this type of surgery may include:

• Infection or bleeding at the incision site
• Blood clots
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Injury to nearby organs, such as the bladder or bowel (though this is uncommon)

Hormonal Changes: If both ovaries are removed before you have gone through natural menopause, you will experience surgical menopause. This causes a sudden drop in hormones like estrogen. You may notice symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes. Over time, lower estrogen levels can also impact bone density and heart health.

Your clinician will tailor your care plan to your specific needs. This may include discussing hormone replacement therapy or other medications to manage menopausal symptoms and protect your long-term health.

Sources used

The information in this section is grounded in guidance from major medical organizations and academic institutions, including:

• Mayo Clinic
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (StatPearls)
• Medscape