Ovariectomy, or the surgical removal of the ovaries, is a major component of gynecological care that has been used to treat a variety of conditions including ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and pelvic pain. Ovariectomy is often done as a fertility-sparing procedure in pre-menopausal women with early stage ovarian cancer and as a last resort to relieve severe endometriosis or pelvic pain. Studies have shown that oophorectomy is associated with decreased risk of ovarian cancer, and improved fertility outcomes in women with endometriosis.
Ovariectomy is a complex procedure that typically requires general anesthesia and laparoscopy or laparotomy. During the procedure, the ovaries are located and removed, and the fallopian tubes are often closed off to prevent future pregnancies. After the procedure, women may experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness due to the sudden loss of hormones. Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to alleviate these symptoms.
The risks of ovariectomy include the potential for infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs. Additionally, oophorectomy has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and osteoporosis due to the sudden decrease in hormone levels. Women should discuss the risks and benefits of oophorectomy with their doctor prior to making a decision.
In summary, oophorectomy is an important component of gynecologic care that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. The procedure carries risks and can lead to menopausal symptoms, so it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with a doctor before making a decision.
References
Crosbie, E. J., Hickey, M., & Jordan, S. (2017). Ovariectomy: A review. International Journal of Women’s Health, 9, 423-429. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S140128
Hebbar, S., & Sood, A. (2019). Oophorectomy. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Hickey, M., Jordan, S., & Crosbie, E. J. (2018). Impact of Ovariectomy on Cardiovascular Risk and Bone Health. International Journal of Women’s Health, 10, 249-256. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S149902
Gonçalves, L., et al. (2015). Oophorectomy for fertility preservation in women with early stage cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction, 30(3), 662-670. doi:10.1093/humrep/deu305