Name of the Procedure:

Salpingo-oophorectomy, complete or partial, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure)
Common name(s): Removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes

Summary

A Salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can be done on one side of the body (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). This surgery can be complete (removing the entire ovary and fallopian tube) or partial, depending on the medical need.

Purpose

This procedure addresses various medical conditions, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or ovarian cancer. The goal is to alleviate symptoms, prevent the spread of disease, or reduce the risk of future ovarian cancer.

Indications

• Persistent ovarian cysts causing pain or other symptoms
• Diagnosed ovarian cancer or suspicious masses
• Severe endometriosis unresponsive to other treatments
• Risk reduction for those with a strong family history of ovarian cancer or specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2)

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 8 hours before surgery
• Adjusting or stopping certain medications as advised
• Pre-operative blood tests and imaging studies
• Anesthesia consultation

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia is administered, typically general anesthesia.
2. A small incision is made in the abdomen (for laparoscopic surgery) or a larger incision (for open surgery).
3. The fallopian tube(s) and ovary/ovaries are carefully separated from surrounding tissues.
4. Blood vessels supplying the ovary and fallopian tube are clipped or cauterized to prevent bleeding.
5. The ovary and fallopian tube are removed.
6. The surgical site is closed with sutures or staples.
7. If a laparoscopic approach is used, small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue.

Duration

Typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and approach.

Setting

Performed in a hospital or specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon (typically a gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist)
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist
• Possible assistant surgeons or surgical technologists

Risks and Complications

• Common: Infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Rare: Damage to surrounding organs (bowel, bladder), blood clots, hormonal changes if both ovaries are removed, early menopause

Benefits

• Relief from symptoms related to the underlying condition (e.g., pain, bleeding)
• Reduced risk of ovarian cancer in high-risk individuals
• Potentially life-saving in cases of cancer

Recovery

• Hospital stay of 1 to 2 days depending on the surgery type
• Pain management with prescribed medications
• Limited physical activity for 2 to 6 weeks
• Follow-up appointments to monitor recovery

Alternatives

• Medications for managing symptoms (e.g., pain relievers, hormone therapy)
• Less invasive procedures (e.g., cyst drainage)
• Watchful waiting for certain conditions

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and won't feel anything. Post-procedure, they may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site, managed by pain medications. Fatigue and mild nausea are common initially. Emotional support may be needed, especially if the procedure induces early menopause.