Removal of the ovaries
Surgical removal of the ovaries is called ovarectomy or oohorectomy. Removal of the ovaries may be necessary especially in the case of malignant changes such as ovarian carcinomas (ovarian cancer) or ovarian cysts. In addition, the removal of the ovaries lowers hormone production, which is why an ovariectomy may be indicated in the presence of breast cancer (tumor of the breast).
There are three ways to remove the ovaries.
- Laparatomy: In a laparatomy the abdominal wall is opened to remove the ovaries.
- Colpotomy: The procedure is performed through the woman’s vagina.
- Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This means that incisions are made as small as possible, resulting in only small wounds. The ovaries are removed through a small incision in the abdominal wall. This procedure is the most common one, as it involves the least complications and thus does not counteract a good healing process.
Consequences of an ovarectomy
The removal of the ovaries causes the loss of fertility. Important hormones like estrogen, progesterone and androgen are produced in the ovaries. The loss of this source of hormones has both physical and psychological effects on the affected woman.
Nausea, dizziness and migraine as well as psychological problems, in the worst case even depression, can occur. The onset of the menopause (menopause) occurs with additional removal of the uterus, so that sweating, mood swings and sleep disturbances can occur. These side effects can be somewhat counteracted with hormone replacement therapy.
- Uterine cavity
- Cervical Cervix
- Sheath
- Tube/fallopian tube
- Ovary/Evary
- BodyBody
- Portio/Cervix
