Ovarian cancer affects females only. It occurs due to growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries. This leads to several issues such as indigestion, back pain, appetite loss etc., in patients. It is a rare or severe health issue for them.

Salpingo-oophorectomy is its best treatment. Doctor recommends this surgery for the removal of an ovary and a fallopian tube.

What are Ovaries?

They are oval-shaped glands and can be attached to the uterus. The main function is to deliver hormones and eggs for the female reproductive system.

The hormones are important for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy in women. They are responsible for promotion of bone and heart health.

Why to perform Oophorectomy in patients?

An oophorectomy may be performed for treating certain health conditions in patients. These include the following:

Ovarian torsion
Ectopic pregnancy
Non-cancerous ovarian tumors or cysts
Breast cancer
Fertility preservation

This surgery is not recommended for patients with pelvic inflammatory disease. They must consult with a healthcare provider for this health condition.

Risks

This procedure involves several risks and complications. These are as follows:

Damage in bladder, bowel or uterus
Clotting of blood
Ovarian remnant syndrome
Growth of cancer cells in abdomen
Infection
Osteoporosis
Nerve injury
Loss of fertility
Bad reaction to anesthesia
Hernia

Before Procedure

The things which can be expected before the surgery are as follows:

Discuss about the medical history with your doctor or anesthesiologist.
Avoid taking blood-thinning medication drugs and NSAIDs or consult with your doctor or healthcare provider while taking.
Stop eating for several hours. You are suggested to drink water for a certain period.
Some imaging tests may be required for the treatment. It can be a blood test, MRI scan etc.
A laxative medicine may be prescribed to empty your bowels.

During Procedure

You will be given general anesthesia before oophorectomy. A surgeon accesses your ovaries by making an incision in the abdomen. It depends upon which type of surgery is needed and the reason for the requirement.

Sometimes, a longer incision is required for the treatment. This procedure is called open surgery or laparotomy.

The few smaller incisions can be made in your abdomen and special tools such as tiny cameras and light are used to perform the procedure. This surgery is minimally invasive and it is known as laparoscopic surgery.

A surgeon can also perform an oophorectomy through a surgical robot. They operate the tools by using controllers.

Depending on the situation, a type of surgery needs to be performed in the healthcare department. People with minimally invasive surgery may have less pain, which helps them to recover quickly and spend a little amount of time in the hospital. But this option is not fit for everyone and needs to be switched with an open procedure.

A surgeon removes your ovaries and separates them from blood supply and surrounding tissue. After that, they take out an abdomen by applying an incision in your body and remove fallopian tubes or uterus at the same time.

After the completion of your surgery, a surgeon closes the incision with stitches.

After Procedure

The variety of side effects may be experienced after surgery. These include the following:

Pain in abdomen, shoulder and back
Nausea and Vomiting
Changes in bowel habits
Vaginal discharge or spotting
Menopause
Fever
Difficulty in breathing
Chest pain

You can consult with your healthcare provider while experiencing these symptoms. If fever rises above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, then call the doctor immediately or visit an emergency room.

How long does the recovery procedure take?

The recovery process takes one to four hours after the surgery. It depends on several factors, which include the patient’s general health, type of procedure etc.