Salpingo-Oophorectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.

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What do I need to know about a salpingo-oophorectomy?

A salpingo-oophorectomy is surgery to remove one or both fallopian tubes and ovaries. The ovaries store and release eggs. The fallopian tubes carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

How do I prepare for a salpingo-oophorectomy?

Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He or she will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. You may need to stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, or NSAIDs several days before surgery. You may need blood tests, an x-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound before surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home when you are discharged.

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What will happen during salpingo-oophorectomy?

• You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your surgeon will make an incision in your belly button and insert a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a long metal tube with a light and camera on the end. Your surgeon will also insert other tools through 2 to 3 smaller incisions made at different places on your abdomen. The abdomen will then be inflated with a gas (carbon dioxide). This lifts your abdomen away from your organs and gives your surgeon more space to work.
• Your surgeon will use tools to cut and remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. He or she will use stitches, surgical glue, or surgical tape to close your incisions. The incisions may be covered with a bandage. A vaginal pack or sanitary pad may be used to absorb the bleeding. A vaginal pack is a special gauze that is inserted into the vagina and removed before you go home or to a hospital room.

What will happen after salpingo-oophorectomy?

Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are awake. You may be able to go home when your pain is controlled, or you may need to spend the night in the hospital. You may have bleeding or discharge from your vagina for several days. You may also feel pain in your shoulder or back. This is caused by the air that is put into your abdomen during surgery. Walk around as soon as you are awake after surgery. This may prevent blood clots.

What are the risks of salpingo-oophorectomy?

If both ovaries are removed, you may need to take hormone replacement medicine. This will prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones) and symptoms of menopause. Your uterus, bladder, or intestines may be injured during surgery. Problems may happen during your laparoscopic surgery and you may need an open surgery. You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may get a blood clot in your leg or arm. This may become life-threatening.

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