Oophorectomy facts for kids

An oophorectomy is a surgery where a doctor removes one or both of a person's ovaries. Ovaries are small organs in the lower belly of females. They are an important part of the female reproductive system.

What are Ovaries?

Ovaries are two small, oval-shaped organs. They are located on each side of the uterus. Ovaries have two main jobs:

• They produce eggs, which are needed for reproduction.
• They make important hormones, like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help with a person's development and body functions.

Why is an Oophorectomy Done?

Doctors might recommend an oophorectomy for different reasons. The goal is usually to help a person stay healthy or to treat a medical problem.

Common Reasons for Surgery

Sometimes, an oophorectomy is needed because of certain health conditions. These can include:

• Ovarian cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can grow on the ovaries. Most cysts are harmless, but some can cause pain or other problems and might need to be removed.
• Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, sometimes on the ovaries. It can cause pain and other issues.
• Ovarian torsion: This happens when an ovary twists around its supporting tissues. It can cut off blood flow to the ovary and cause sudden, severe pain. This is an emergency.
• Infections: Severe infections in the ovaries or nearby areas might require surgery.

Preventing Future Problems

In some cases, an oophorectomy might be done to prevent serious health problems. For example, if a person has a very high risk of developing certain types of cancer, a doctor might suggest removing the ovaries as a preventative measure. This is often discussed very carefully with the patient and their family.

The Surgery and Recovery

An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure. It is performed by a special doctor called a surgeon.

How the Surgery is Done

There are different ways to perform an oophorectomy:

• Laparoscopic surgery: This is often called "keyhole surgery." The surgeon makes a few small cuts in the belly. They use a thin tube with a camera (a laparoscope) and special tools to remove the ovary or ovaries. This method usually means a faster recovery.
• Open surgery: In some cases, the surgeon might need to make a larger cut in the lower belly. This is done if the problem is more complex or if laparoscopic surgery is not possible.

What Happens After Surgery?

After an oophorectomy, patients need time to recover. The recovery time can depend on the type of surgery and the person's overall health. Doctors and nurses provide care and instructions to help the patient heal properly. They will explain how to manage any pain and when it is safe to return to normal activities.