How to Prepare for Ovary Removal Surgery

If you have chronic pelvic pain, large ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, or benign tumors, you will require ovary removal surgery (oophorectomy). It is a surgical procedure to remove your ovaries. 

The ovaries produce most of the feminine hormones estrogen and progesterone. If you need the removal of both ovaries, you should prepare yourself for menopause and irreversible infertility.

Read on to find out more about this procedure.

What else does oophorectomy involve?

Oophorectomy can be done on its own, but it is more likely to be a part of a multi-step process. It is dependent on the cause of the surgery.

Ovarian removal is frequently paired with salpingectomy, a treatment to remove the fallopian tubes. This may be possible if the oophorectomy is performed to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. 

How should I prepare for an oophorectomy?

There is a lot to think about when having an oophorectomy, so take time to talk this through with your doctor.

Discuss family planning and menopause

You will be unable to conceive if both ovaries are removed. You will be in menopause. If only one is removed and your uterus remains, you will be less fertile, but you can still conceive.

If you wish to have children, ask your doctor to send you to a fertility specialist before undergoing surgery so that you can fully understand your options.

There is a possibility that this procedure will elicit an emotional response. Consider seeing a therapist if you are experiencing emotions of sadness or depression.

Early menopause may also increase your chances of developing heart disease or osteoporosis. Discuss these health risks with your doctor and the potential benefits and hazards of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the treatment.

Prepare for the surgery

You will certainly be tested before the surgery. Your doctor will perform bodily examination, take urine and blood tests, CT scans, and ultrasound.

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. Inquire if you should discontinue them before surgery. Be bold and ask questions regarding the operation and what to expect.

Check with your health insurance provider to determine any out-of-pocket payments.

Get ready for a hospital stay

Your doctor will give you preoperative instructions so that you know what to do before surgery.

Here are a few pointers to help you prepare:

• You cannot drive home from the hospital if you arrange for transportation.
• Request someone assist you at home for a few days while you heal—plan on being at home for a few weeks.
• Follow your doctor's orders for when you should cease eating and drinking (including water) before surgery. This is frequently after midnight the previous night. If you're given a solution to drink to clear out your intestines, follow the directions strictly.
• Pack a hospital bag with personal essentials like a toothbrush and hairbrush. Bring a robe, slippers, or socks, and the clothing you plan on wearing home. It is a good idea to bring some reading material.

What happens during the procedure?

A vertical or horizontal abdominal incision might be used to accomplish the procedure. Vertical incisions provide a more excellent vision for the surgeon, but horizontal incisions leave a less visible scar.

To show the ovaries, the surgeon first separates your abdominal muscles. Following that, blood arteries are stitched together to avoid bleeding. After removing your ovaries, your surgeon will heal the incision with staples or stitches.

A laparoscope, a narrow piece of equipment with a tiny camera on the end, can also perform an oophorectomy. This permits your surgeon to monitor your organs.

During this surgery, the laparoscope is introduced through a small incision around your belly button. Your surgeon makes other minor cuts for equipment to shut off blood arteries. After that, your ovaries will be removed through a small incision near the top of your vagina or through minor cuts in the abdominal wall. Finally, a few sutures are used to heal the cuts, leaving you with several minor scars.

General anesthesia is required for abdominal surgery. Laparoscopic surgery can be done under either general or local anesthetic. Depending on the nature of the surgery, the operation can last anywhere from one to four hours.

Recovery

After the surgery, you will spend an hour or two in the recovery room. You will be relocated to a regular room as the anesthetic wears off.

The next day, you will be forced to sit up, stand, and even go for a short walk. You may have a catheter, but it is just temporary. If all goes well, it and your IV will be removed the next day.

You will most likely be hospitalized after abdominal surgery for a day or two. Laparoscopic surgery may only need one night in the hospital, resulting in reduced postoperative pain.

Before you leave the hospital, you will be given postoperative instructions. Your doctor will advise you on how long to wait before engaging in sexual activity.

If you develop any signs of infection, have vaginal discharge or bleeding more than expected, have trouble urinating, or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

During the healing period, follow your doctor's directions. Allow your body to heal, eat healthy, and get enough rest. Walking regularly will help you avoid blood clots. Increase your physical activity gradually, as directed.