What is a salpingo-oophorectomy?

Ovaries and fallopian tubes are key parts of the female reproductive system. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The fallopian tubes help the eggs travel to the uterus.

In a salpingectomy, a surgeon will remove one or both of your fallopian tubes. During an oophorectomy, they will remove one or both of your ovaries. When both are removed, this is called a salpingo-oophorectomy.

If only one ovary and fallopian tube are removed, it is called a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. If both are removed, it is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).

A salpingo-oophorectomy does not remove your uterus. A hysterectomy removes your uterus. Both a hysterectomy and a salpingo-oophorectomy be performed at the same time if necessary.

Removing both your ovaries means you cannot conceive naturally. You will need fertility treatment if you still want children.

What happens during ovary and fallopian tube removal?

The surgery is done under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep. There are three types of surgery:

• Open surgery: A large cut is made in your abdomen to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
• Laparoscopic surgery: Small cuts are made, and a tube with a camera is used to see inside. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed through these small cuts. You may go home the same day or stay overnight.
• Robot-assisted surgery: Similar to laparoscopic surgery, but the surgeon operates surgical instruments through robotic arms.

With laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery, you can usually go home on the same day. But you might need to stay overnight, depending on your specific circumstances.

Recovering from ovary and fallopian tube removal

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery:

• Open surgery: Up to 8 weeks
• Laparoscopic assisted surgery: 2 to 3 weeks
• Robotics assisted surgery: 2 to 3 weeks

How to support your recovery at home

When the hospital discharges you, they will provide the information you need to help recover at home.

This information might include:

• Advice on how and when to clean and change your dressings
• How to clean your incisions
• Prescribed antibiotics to minimise the infection risk
• The date for a follow-up appointment
• Pain relief medication
• When you can resume sexual activity

You must avoid lifting heavy items or engaging in exercise for at least two to three weeks. You should wear loose-fitting clothing to ensure your clothes do not rub against your incisions and cause irritation.

Vaginal discharge, light spotting and abdominal cramping for the first few days are normal. Do not use tampons until your surgeon advises, as this could increase your risk of infection.

You might also feel general discomfort for up to a week. However, appropriate pain relief medication should help to minimise this.

Risks of ovary and fallopian tube removal

A salpingo-oophorectomy is a safe procedure. However, like all surgeries, there are certain potential risks associated with it. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Bulge of the stomach wall (hernia)
• Formation of scar tissue
• Urinary tract injury

These complications are rare. Your surgeon will always do everything possible to ensure you receive the highest level of comfort and care.

Long-term side effects of salpingo-oophorectomy

Removing both ovaries will cause menopause, which means your periods stop.

Menopause symptoms can include:

• Hot flushes
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Feelings of anxiety
• Low mood
• Vaginal dryness

To help manage these symptoms, your doctor might recommend trying hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Available in the form of a tablet, cream, patch or injection, HRT helps to increase your oestrogen levels and minimise menopausal symptoms.

Going through menopause can also increase your risk of osteoporosis (low bone density). This is because oestrogen is vital in helping your bones stay strong, with low levels leading to a lower bone density. However, HRT may help minimise your risk by increasing these levels and strengthening your bones.

Although salpingo-oophorectomies have long-term effects on your body, they can be a life-saving procedure for some women.

Find your private consultant with PHIN

Salpingo-oophorectomies are an essential surgical procedure and finding a suitable consultant is vital. But, where should you start?

PHIN’s website lets you find private consultants in your area with ease. Using our search tool, you can browse through our website’s directory of consultants, view their unique profiles, estimate the potential fees involved and read other patients’ feedback.

Discover how easy it can be to find your private consultant for your salpingo-oophorectomy procedure by using the PHIN website.

Sources

• Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy (BSO) - Risk-reducing surgery. NHS Cambridge University Hospitals. https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/bilateral-salpingo-oophorectomy-bso-risk-reducing-surgery/. Last reviewed 13 Jan 2021.
• Salpingo-oophorectomy. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/salpingo-oophorectomy. Last reviewed 28 Nov 2023.
• Effect of bilateral oophorectomy on women’s long-term health. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2217/WHE.09.42. Last reviewed 21 Feb 2024.
• Menopause. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/. Last reviewed 17 May 2022.