Oophorectomy

• Oophorectomy is the removal of one or both ovaries,
   which may be necessary because of ovarian cysts or
   ovarian pain. The uterus is left intact.

• The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic
   and takes about 1 hour.

• The procedure is commonly performed laparoscopically,
   using a small, fibre-optic 'telescope' which is inserted into
   the abdomen through a small incision. Occasionally a
   conventional operation (laparotomy) is used.

• There will be some discomfort following surgery, which will
   be controlled with pain killers.

• The average length of stay in hospital is 48 hours following
   laparoscopy and 5-7 days following conventional surgery.
   Complete recovery is quicker following laparoscopy, but
   usually occurs within 6 weeks.

• If both ovaries are removed, hormone replacement therapy
   (HRT) will usually be given following surgery.