Laparoscopic Oophorectomy in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is laparoscopic oophorectomy?
Laparoscopic oophorectomy is an operation that removes an ovary using a thin camera and slim instruments passed through small cuts in the abdomen. When one ovary is removed it is called a unilateral oophorectomy; when both are removed it is a bilateral oophorectomy. The fallopian tube on the same side is usually removed at the same time, and the full name for that combined operation is salpingo-oophorectomy.
The number of ovaries removed shapes everything that follows. With one ovary left, the remaining ovary continues to release eggs and make hormones, so periods carry on and pregnancy remains possible. When both ovaries are removed before the natural menopause, the body's main supply of oestrogen stops at once, which is called surgical menopause, and this is planned for well before the operation.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, laparoscopic oophorectomy is performed in-house by the gynaecology surgical team. The general keyhole approach is described on the laparoscopic gynaecology surgery page.
Who needs it
Oophorectomy is recommended when removing the whole ovary is the safer or more effective choice than treating part of it. Typical reasons include:
- a cyst or mass that has replaced most of the ovary, or that looks complex on imaging
- an ovary that has twisted and lost its blood supply
- severe endometriosis or an abscess affecting the ovary
- a new ovarian mass after the menopause
- an inherited high risk of ovarian cancer, such as a BRCA gene change, where removing the ovaries and tubes reduces that risk
Where the aim is to remove a cyst and keep the ovary, the operation is a cystectomy, and the wider choice between watching a cyst and operating is covered on the ovarian cyst treatment page. Your surgeon explains why the whole ovary is being recommended, what the alternatives are, and what each would mean for your hormones and fertility. For a planned operation, you have time to consider the options and to bring your husband or a family member into the discussion.
What happens
Laparoscopic oophorectomy is done under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a small cut near the navel and one or two smaller cuts low on the abdomen, and gently inflates the abdomen with gas to create space to work.
The surgeon first inspects the pelvis and the upper abdomen. The blood vessels supplying the ovary are identified, sealed and divided, with care taken to protect the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney, which runs close by. The ovary and tube are placed inside a small retrieval bag and brought out through one of the cuts, which keeps any cyst contents contained. Everything removed is sent to the laboratory, and the cuts are closed with dissolving stitches or skin glue.
You usually go home the same day or the next, once they are eating, walking and passing urine comfortably.
Preparing for it
Before surgery you have blood tests, and your recent scans are reviewed; some women also have a blood marker test depending on the appearance of the ovary. An anaesthetic review checks your general health. Bring a list of your medicines, including any hormone treatment, blood thinners and diabetes medicines, and follow the fasting instructions you receive.
If both ovaries are to be removed before your menopause, a discussion about hormone replacement takes place beforehand, so a plan is ready from the day of surgery. Menopause management at Dar Al Kamal Hospital covers hormone therapy, bone health and symptom care. Arrange a lift home and help for the first days, and if surgery is near Ramadan, raise it early to plan fasting and recovery.
Afterwards
Shoulder-tip ache from the gas, a bloated feeling and soreness around the small cuts are expected for the first days. Walk little and often, and keep the wounds clean and dry; loose clothing is more comfortable in the Sharjah heat. Your surgeon gives you a personal plan for driving, lifting and work, which differs for desk jobs, driving jobs and manual work.
After a bilateral oophorectomy before menopause, hot flushes, night sweats and sleep changes can begin within days, and your hormone plan starts as agreed. The laboratory report is reviewed with you at follow-up, together with any further steps it suggests.
Contact the hospital urgently if you develop a fever, a wound that reddens or leaks, or pain that keeps increasing. **Go to the emergency department straight away for severe abdominal pain, fainting, a swollen painful calf, chest pain or breathlessness.**
Cost and insurance
Most UAE insurance plans cover oophorectomy when there is a medical reason, with pre-approval supported by the scan report and clinical notes. Risk-reducing surgery for an inherited cancer risk usually needs the genetic test result as supporting evidence, and ongoing hormone therapy may fall under a separate part of your policy. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of laparoscopic oophorectomy?
Laparoscopic oophorectomy carries the risks of any keyhole operation, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, a reaction to the anaesthetic and, uncommonly, injury to the bowel, bladder or ureter. The surgeon may change to an open operation if the keyhole route becomes unsafe. When both ovaries are removed before menopause, the loss of oestrogen also affects bone and heart health over time, which is why hormone care is planned.
Will I go into menopause if one ovary is removed?
Removing one ovary does not usually cause menopause, because the remaining ovary continues to make hormones and release eggs. Periods normally continue, although menopause may arrive a little earlier than it otherwise would.
What is surgical menopause?
Surgical menopause is the sudden menopause that follows removal of both ovaries before the natural menopause. Symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness can start quickly and feel more abrupt than a natural menopause, and hormone replacement is often recommended until the usual age of menopause unless there is a reason to avoid it.
Can I still get pregnant after an oophorectomy?
Pregnancy is still possible after one ovary is removed, because the other ovary continues to release eggs. After both ovaries are removed, natural pregnancy is no longer possible, and fertility options should be discussed before surgery if this matters to you.
Why are the fallopian tubes removed with the ovary?
The fallopian tube is often removed with the ovary because it shares the same blood supply and serves little purpose once the ovary on that side has gone. Removing the tubes may also lower the risk of some ovarian cancers, which start in the tube.
Is the removed ovary always sent for testing?
The removed ovary and tube are always sent to the laboratory for examination under the microscope. The result confirms what the cyst or mass was, and your surgeon reviews it with you at your follow-up visit.
When can I go back to work after a laparoscopic oophorectomy?
Your return to work after a laparoscopic oophorectomy depends on your recovery and the kind of work you do, and your surgeon plans it with you. Desk work usually resumes sooner than driving or manual jobs.
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