Laparoscopic Oophorectomy
Small incisions, camera guidance, and precise removal of one or both ovaries—tailored to your diagnosis, risk profile, and future plans.
Laparoscopic oophorectomy removes an ovary (unilateral) or both ovaries (bilateral) using tiny incisions and a high-definition camera. Reasons include ovarian torsion, complex or suspicious masses, severe endometriosis not amenable to conservation, infection or damage, and risk-reducing surgery for certain genetic conditions. When appropriate, we consider ovary-sparing options first and align the plan with your fertility and hormone goals.
Fast Facts About Oophorectomy
Outpatient minimally invasive procedure under general anesthesia
Unilateral preserves the other ovary; bilateral removes both
May be combined with salpingectomy (tube removal) or cystectomy
Typical recovery: light activity in a few days; full activity ~1–2 weeks
Bilateral removal before menopause causes immediate surgical menopause
Who It May Help
- Ovarian torsion or severely damaged ovary
- Persistent, complex, or suspicious ovarian masses
- Severe endometriosis or recurrent endometriomas not suited to conservation
- Risk-reducing surgery in select hereditary syndromes (e.g., BRCA-associated)
- Postmenopausal masses where removal is preferred
How It Works
After anesthesia, small ports are placed and the abdomen is gently inflated with CO₂. The ovary is freed from supporting structures using energy sealing and precise dissection; blood supply is secured. The specimen is placed in a retrieval bag and removed through a small incision. If only one ovary is removed, the other is left in place. Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures or skin adhesive.
Candidacy & Alternatives
Good candidates have an indication where removal offers clear benefit over conservation. Alternatives depend on the diagnosis and goals and may include observation with repeat imaging, cystectomy to preserve ovarian tissue, salpingectomy alone, or medical therapy (e.g., for endometriosis). For those considering bilateral removal before menopause, we discuss surgical menopause, symptom management, and long-term health considerations to ensure the plan matches your priorities.
Oophorectomy vs. Other Options
Oophorectomy (Unilateral/Bilateral)
- Removes one or both ovaries
- Definitive for torsion or non-salvageable disease
- Bilateral premenopausal removal causes surgical menopause
- Eliminates cyst recurrence on removed side(s)
Cystectomy (Ovary-Sparing)
- Removes cyst while preserving ovarian tissue
- Supports fertility and hormone production
- Recurrence possible depending on cyst type
- Preferred when safe and aligned with goals
Salpingectomy Alone
- Removes fallopian tubes, leaves ovaries
- No direct hormonal change
- Used for sterilization or risk reduction
- Does not treat primary ovarian pathology
What to Expect
Most patients go home the same day. Expect 3–4 small incisions that are closed with dissolvable sutures or skin adhesive. Soreness, bloating, and shoulder-tip gas pain are common for 24–72 hours. Many return to desk work in 2–5 days and gradually resume exercise and heavier activity after clearance—often ~1–2 weeks. Pathology review confirms the diagnosis and guides follow-up.
Safety & Considerations
Common effects include temporary abdominal soreness, bloating, fatigue, and light spotting. Uncommon risks include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs or blood vessels, need to convert to open surgery, or anesthesia-related events. Bilateral removal before menopause leads to immediate estrogen/progesterone loss; we discuss symptom management options and long-term health planning. We tailor the approach to your history, medications, prior surgeries, and goals.
Before Your Visit
- ✓Follow anesthesia fasting and medication instructions
- ✓Arrange a ride home and light support for 24 hours
- ✓Share prior imaging, labs, genetics reports, and operative notes
- ✓Ask about holding anticoagulants or supplements that affect bleeding
- ✓Plan for a few days of lighter activity and over-the-counter pain control
Frequently Asked Questions
1Will removing one ovary affect my hormones or fertility?
With unilateral oophorectomy, the remaining ovary typically continues hormone production and ovulation. Many patients retain fertility, though reserve may be reduced compared with two ovaries.
2What happens if both ovaries are removed before menopause?
Bilateral oophorectomy causes immediate surgical menopause. We discuss symptom management and long-term health strategies to align with your preferences and risk profile.
3Could the mass be cancer?
Pre-operative imaging and, when indicated, tumor markers help assess risk. The removed tissue is sent to pathology; results guide any additional treatment or surveillance.
4How long is recovery?
Many patients resume light activity within a few days and return to regular activity in ~1–2 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing.
5Are there options that preserve the ovary?
Yes. When safe and aligned with your goals, cystectomy or observation may be considered. We review pros and cons to choose the least invasive, goal-concordant plan.
6What scars will I have?
Incisions are small—often one at the navel and one to two tiny side ports. With proper care and sun protection, most fade to faint lines over time.
Considering Oophorectomy?
We'll review your diagnosis, goals, and options—conservation vs. removal—and plan a precise laparoscopic approach with clear expectations and recovery support.
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