Oophorectomy (ovary removal surgery)

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Why it's done

By Mayo Clinic staff

Oophorectomy may be performed for:

  • A tubo-ovarian abscess — a pus-filled pocket involving a fallopian tube and an ovary
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Noncancerous (benign) ovarian tumors or cysts
  • Reducing the risk of ovarian cancer or breast cancer in women at increased risk
  • Ovarian torsion — the twisting of an ovary

Oophorectomy combined with other procedures
Oophorectomy can be performed with other surgical procedures, including surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). In women with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, oophorectomy is often combined with surgery to remove the fallopian tubes in a procedure called salpingo-oophorectomy.

References
  1. Valea FA, et al. Oophorectomy and ovarian cystectomy. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Feb. 3, 2009.
  2. DeSimone CP, et al. Gynecologic laparoscopy. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2008;88:319.
  3. Stany MP, et al. Benign disorders of the ovary. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:271.
  4. Chobanian N, et al. Ovarian cancer. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2008;88:285.
  5. Boyle KJ, et al. Benign gynecologic conditions. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2008;88:245.
  6. DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007.
  7. Shuster LT, et al. Prophylactic oophorectomy in pre-menopausal women and long term health - A review. Menopause International. 2008;14:111.
  8. Schorge JO, et al. Surgeries for Benign Gynecologic Conditions. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3166442. Accessed Feb. 7, 2009.
  9. Medeiros LR, et al. Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for benign ovarian tumor: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. 2008;18:387.
  10. Gostout BS (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 16, 2009.
  11. Mettler L, et al. Robotic assistance in gynecological oncology. Current Opinion in Oncology. 2008;20:581.

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April 16, 2009

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