A oophorectomy is the surgical removal of an ovary. It may also refer to the removal of both ovaries. The procedure is also known as an ovarian ablation.
Oophorectomy is pronounced “oo-puh-rek-tuh-mee.” This word comes from the Greek words “oophor,” meaning “ovary,” and “ektomē,” meaning “removal. ”
Oophorectomy is used to treat ovarian cancer and certain other types of tumors. It may also be used to treat endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic congestion syndrome. In addition, it is sometimes used to treat women who have experienced ovarian failure, and those who are at risk for cancer of the ovary. In women who are pre-menopausal, oophorectomy is performed to induce menopause. This is known as “surgical menopause.”
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Reasons for surgery include:
The ovaries are the main source of estrogen production in women. Removal of both ovaries usually results in immediate cessation of menstrual periods and a sudden drop in estrogen levels. As a result, surgical menopause generally results in more rapid bone loss than natural menopause. The surgery also prevents the woman from having any more children.
Oophorectomy has been shown to reduce incidence of ovarian cancer by 90%. . Removal of the uterus ( hysterectomy ) is sometimes performed to treat cancer of the uterus, endometriosis, or fibroids. When this procedure is performed, the patient does not experience surgical menopause. The lack of a uterus, however, prevents future pregnancy.
Surgery with radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy may be used to treat cancer in the ovaries. In this procedure, the entire ovary (or both ovaries) are removed (as with a total abdominal hysterectomy), and radiation is then used to destroy any remaining cancer cells. The side effects of radiation therapy are similar to those that occur after chemotherapy, but the effects are generally milder. In addition, the uterus and fallopian tubes are left intact, which allows for future pregnancy. on are similar to those of chemotherapy. They include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. Radiation therapy is usually used when ovarian cancer has spread to other organs ( metastatic disease ). ).
Surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes is an option for women who do not want to become pregnant in the future, or are past childbearing age. This type of surgery is called a . The goal of this surgery is to remove all cancer cells from the body. This surgery can also be used for treatment, as well as for cure. It is called a . The goal of this surgery is to remove all cancer cells from the body. This surgery can also be used for treatment, as well as for cure. It is called a . Some women with advanced ovarian cancer may benefit from chemotherapy before surgery. The goal of this treatment is to shrink the tumor so that it can be removed with surgery. Some women with advanced ovarian cancer may benefit from chemotherapy before surgery. The goal of this treatment is to shrink the tumor so that it can be removed with surgery. for future pregnancy. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
Treatment for cervical cancer Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of disease and the patient’s overall health. Surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes is an option for women who do not want to become pregnant in the future, or are past childbearing age. This type of surgery is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. External beam radiation therapy is often given after surgery to decrease the risk of recurrence. Some women with cervical cancer have a high risk for spread beyond the pelvis and may be offered chemotherapy after surgery. Women with cervical cancer who are not eligible for surgery may be offered radiation therapy to the pelvis and pelvis with chemotherapy. The combination of cisplatin (Platinol AQ) and paclitaxel (Taxol ) is given intravenously (by IV) every 3 weeks. Radiation therapy is often given after surgery to decrease the risk of recurrence. Some women with cervical cancer have a high risk for spread beyond the pelvis and may be offered chemotherapy after surgery.