Oophorectomy (ovary removal)
An oophorectomy is an operation to remove one or both ovaries
Ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus that play a vital role in the female reproductive system. They produce and store your eggs and secrete key sex hormones including oestrogen and progesterone which regulate your menstrual cycle, support reproductive health and help protect against bone and heart disease.
At Sulis Hospital, we offer expert, consultant-led gynaecological care tailored to your individual needs. This page explains what an oophorectomy involves, why you may need the procedure and what you can expect throughout your treatment.
Why might I need an oophorectomy?
An oophorectomy is commonly performed to treat or prevent conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Depending on your medical history and diagnosis, your consultant may recommend removing one ovary (unilateral oophorectomy) or both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy).
Common reasons for the procedure include:
- Ovarian cysts or tumours: Removing benign (non-cancerous) fluid-filled sacs or growths that cause pain or risk rupturing.
- Ovarian cancer: Treating malignant cells within the ovaries or reducing the risk of cancer if you carry high-risk genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2).
- Endometriosis: Removing ovaries if severe endometrial tissue has formed painful cysts (endometriomas) that haven't responded to other treatments.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Addressing severe, chronic pelvic infections that have damaged the ovarian tissue.
In some cases, an oophorectomy is combined with other surgical procedures, such as a salpingectomy (removing fallopian tubes) or a hysterectomy (removing the uterus and cervix).
Before surgery
Your care begins with a comprehensive pre-operative assessment at Sulis Hospital. Your consultant will discuss the procedures in detail, answer any questions and review your medical history. If you are having both ovaries removed and have not yet gone through the menopause, your surgical team will discuss the immediate onset of surgical menopause and outline your options for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
During surgery
An oophorectomy is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep throughout. Your surgeon will use one of two main approaches depending on your specific case:
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery: The surgeon makes a few small incisions in your abdomen. A tiny camera (laparoscope) and specialised surgical instruments are inserted to carefully remove the ovaries. This technique typically results in less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery.
- Open surgery (laparotomy): The surgeon makes a single abdominal incision to directly access and remove the tissue. This approach is typically chosen for larger complex masses or inf extensive scar tissue is present.
When you wake up, you will be monitored closely by our dedicate nursing team in the recovery ward. Your length of stay will depend on the surgical method used; keyhole patients often return home the same day or after one night, while open surgery may require a few days in hospital.
Full recovery generally takes between two to six weeks. Your clinical team will provide you with personalised aftercare instructions, including gently mobility advice, wound care guidance and appropriate pain management to support your return to daily activities.
Book your consultation
If you would like to discuss private gynaecological care or explore your surgical options, you can easily arrange an appointment.
Book an appointment online or call our dedicated patient advisory team to find a specialist consultant gynaecologist at Sulis Hospital.
