What is Laparoscopic Oophorectomy?
A laparoscopic oophorectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which one ovary (unilateral oophorectomy) or both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) are completely removed from your body. The ovaries are two tiny and round organs located in the lower abdomen, that produce eggs and hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) for reproduction.
Why Will You Need a Laparoscopic Oophorectomy?
The are several reasons why may require an oophorectomy, some of the most common conditions include:
- Endometriosis
- Benign ovarian tumors or cysts
- Ovarian torsion
- A tube-ovarian severe infection -abscess
- Borderline tumours of the ovary
- Ovarian cancer
What Does a Laparoscopic Oophorectomy Involve?
Before the Procedure
Before your surgery, your doctor will explain to you the reasons and the steps of your surgical procedure. It’s important to mention here if you have any other condition or take any medication. Your doctor will ask you to stop drinking or eating anything at least 8 hours before the procedure.
During the Procedure
After you are under an anesthetic, your doctor will make 3-5 small incisions in your abdomen and introduce the laparoscopy instruments along with a tiny camera. Then, your doctor will separate every ovary from their blood supply and their surrounding tissue and place them in a pouch that is pulled out through one of the small incisions. Finally, your skin incisions will be closed back again.
The entire procedure usually takes about 1-2 hour and you will be closely monitored all the time.
Using a laparoscopic technique for these cases, instead of open surgery, has notable benefits, including:
- A less invasive procedure
- Shorter recovery time
- Less pain and blood loss.
After the Procedure
Usually, most women will go home the next day. At home, you might feel some discomfort in your lower abdomen and some vaginal spotting, which are quite normal. Returning back to your job and regular activities is normally possible after 2 weeks.
Laparoscopic Oophorectomy Possible Risks and Complications
Although laparoscopic oophorectomy is a safe procedure with minimal complications and risk rate, like all surgeries it carries risks including:
- Excessive blood loss
- Adverse reaction to the anesthetic.
- Creation of blood clots in the legs and lungs
- Accidental rupture of an ovarian tumor in the abdominal cavity
- Local infection
- Accidental damage to the nearby organs
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