Operation procedure

The ovaries can be removed in different ways. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Prior to this, medication that reduces blood clotting (e.g. Marcumar® or Aspirin®) may have to be discontinued.

Laparoscopy is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a laparoscopy, only a small incision is made in the abdominal wall, through which a laparoscope (a special endoscope) is inserted into the abdomen. The device is connected to a video camera and a light source, so that the entire abdominal cavity can be viewed.

Through another small skin incision, an instrument for removing the ovaries can now be inserted. This method is very gentle and the risk of complications is very low. Another surgical procedure is the so-called colpotomy, in which an incision is made in the vagina to access the ovaries from there.

Laparotomy is the classic surgical method for removing the ovaries. In this procedure, the abdominal wall is opened through a larger abdominal incision and the ovaries are removed under the direct view of the surgeon. The risk of complications is higher with this method than with the other methods.

At the end of the operation, a drainage is often inserted into the abdomen to drain off wound secretions. This drainage can be removed again after a few days. After the operation, no excessive physical activity should be carried out for a while, especially heavy loads should not be lifted or carried.

Sexual intercourse should also be avoided for a while and medical checks should be carried out regularly. Ovarectomy or removal of the ovaries on both sides is also possible on an outpatient basis. The minimally invasive procedure is performed laparoscopically (laparoscopy).

This means that three small skin incisions are usually made under general anesthesia, through which instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity. In addition to the laparoscope, which acts as a small video camera, one or two further surgical instruments are required. For better visibility in the operating field, the abdomen is expanded with carbon dioxide.

The removal of the ovaries takes on average between 60 and 120 minutes. The surgical wounds are sutured from the inside with a self-dissolving thread. The patient can go home the same day after the operation without complications.