Why is this procedure done?
Women have two ovaries. The ovaries are almond-shaped organs in your lower belly. The ovaries hold eggs and control your hormones and menstrual cycle. Women also have two fallopian tubes. The eggs travel down the tubes to reach the uterus or womb. ‚
One or both ovaries are taken out in a surgery called an oophorectomy. You may need this surgery for growths, cysts, or cancer in the ovaries. You may also need this surgery if you have had infection or pain for a long time. Sometimes, the ovaries are taken out if you have a family history of ovary or breast cancer. If the fallopian tubes are also removed, the surgery is called a salpingo-oophorectomy. ‚
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What will the results be?
You may have less pelvic pain and other signs. If both of your ovaries are taken out, you will not be able to get pregnant. If you have not gone through menopause before the procedure, you will start menopause after the procedure. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Anything else you may need to do to get ready for your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, a tube is in place in your mouth to help you breathe. You will also have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will clean the skin of your belly to kill the germs and help prevent infection along the cut site.
- Abdominal surgery:
- The doctor makes a cut on your lower belly.
- One or both ovaries are taken out.
- The cut site is closed with stitches or staples and covered with clean bandages.
- Laparoscopic surgery:
- The doctor will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly. A small tube with a camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at the ovary. Your doctor uses small tools in the other cuts to do the procedure. Air is put in the belly to make it easier for the doctor to see the ovary.
- One or both ovaries are taken out.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover the cut with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes about 45 to 90 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- Your may have the tube in your bladder for another day or so.
- You may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Keep your bones strong (vitamin D and calcium)
If both of your ovaries were taken out, your doctor may order hormone replacement. Talk to your doctor to decide if hormone replacement is best for you. When both ovaries are taken out, you will have signs of menopause. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Not able to have children if both ovaries were removed
- Infection
- Wound opening
- Heavy bleeding
- Blood clots in your legs or lungs
- Injury to the intestines
Where can I learn more?
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered ‚
http://www.facingourrisk.org/info_research/risk-management/oophorectomy/index.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚