What it is

An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries, the organs responsible for releasing eggs and producing female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It may be performed as a standalone surgery or alongside other gynecological procedures such as hysterectomy or salpingectomy.

In Korea, oophorectomy is performed with advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques, ensuring precision, reduced pain, and faster recovery. The procedure may be unilateral (one ovary removed) or bilateral (both ovaries removed).

➡️ Key points about oophorectomy:

• Unilateral oophorectomy: One ovary removed, preserving fertility and hormonal function from the remaining ovary
• Bilateral oophorectomy: Both ovaries removed, causing immediate menopause and infertility
• Can be done for medical, preventive, or emergency reasons

Why it’s done

Doctors recommend oophorectomy for several medical and preventive reasons.

✔️ Medical reasons include:

• Ovarian cancer or suspicion of malignancy
• Large or persistent ovarian cysts causing pain or risk of rupture
• Endometriosis involving the ovaries
• Ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary, cutting off blood supply)
• Severe pelvic infections not responding to treatment

✔️ Preventive reasons include:

• Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations to reduce risk of ovarian and breast cancer
• Family history of ovarian cancer

✔️ Benefits of oophorectomy:

• Eliminates cancerous or high-risk ovarian tissue
• Relieves pain and complications from cysts or torsion
• Prevents life-threatening conditions linked to ovarian disease

Alternatives

Oophorectomy is a major decision, especially for younger women. Alternatives may be explored depending on the condition.

🔹 Cystectomy:

• Removing only the cyst while preserving the ovary
• Preferred for women who wish to maintain fertility

🔹 Hormonal therapy:

• Used to control endometriosis or ovarian cyst growth
• Not suitable for cancer or severe conditions

🔹 Surveillance:

• Regular ultrasounds and blood tests for small, benign cysts or non-urgent cases

🔹 Hysterectomy with ovarian preservation:

• Uterus removed but ovaries left intact to maintain hormonal function

Preparation

Proper preparation helps ensure safe surgery and better recovery.

➡️ Medical preparation:

• Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans to assess ovary size and condition
• Blood tests including tumor markers (like CA-125) for cancer risk evaluation
• General health screening before anesthesia
• Fertility counseling if only one ovary is to be preserved

➡️ Personal preparation:

• Fasting before surgery if general anesthesia is planned
• Packing hospital essentials for a short stay (1–3 days typical)
• Arranging support at home during initial recovery period

➡️ Mental preparation:

• Understanding effects of unilateral vs. bilateral removal
• Counseling on immediate menopause symptoms if both ovaries are removed
• Preparing emotionally for fertility changes and hormonal impact

How it’s done

In Korea, oophorectomy is usually performed using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery for safety and precision.

✔️ Surgical approaches:

➡️ Laparoscopic oophorectomy

• Small incisions in the abdomen for camera and instruments
• Ovary carefully removed with minimal tissue damage
• Faster recovery and minimal scarring

➡️ Robotic-assisted oophorectomy

• Surgeon controls robotic arms for enhanced precision
• Ideal for complex cases, especially with cancer risk
• Reduces pain, scarring, and hospital stay

➡️ Open (abdominal) oophorectomy

• Larger incision used in emergencies or very large tumors
• Longer recovery but sometimes necessary

✔️ Step-by-step procedure:

1. Anesthesia (general) administered
2. Small abdominal incisions made for laparoscope or robotic instruments
3. Ovary detached from surrounding ligaments and blood supply
4. Ovary removed and sent for pathology testing
5. Surrounding organs checked for abnormalities
6. Incisions closed with sutures or surgical glue

✔️ Duration:

• Surgery typically lasts 1–2 hours
• Hospital stay: same-day or 1–3 days for minimally invasive methods, longer for open surgery

Recovery

Recovery depends on whether the procedure was unilateral or bilateral, and the surgical method used.

➡️ Immediate recovery:

• Mild abdominal pain, bloating, or fatigue from anesthesia
• Encouraged to walk within hours to prevent blood clots
• Hospital monitoring for infection, bleeding, or complications

➡️ Physical recovery:

• Return to light activities in 1–2 weeks for laparoscopic/robotic procedures
• 4–6 weeks for open abdominal surgery
• Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be prescribed if both ovaries are removed

➡️ Emotional recovery:

• Relief from pain and risks of ovarian disease
• Emotional adjustment needed if fertility or hormonal function is affected
• Counseling and support groups available in Korean hospitals

➡️ Key recommendations:

• Adequate rest and proper wound care
• Balanced nutrition to support healing and hormone balance
• Regular follow-up with gynecologist
• Hormonal therapy discussions if menopause symptoms appear

Treatment option in Korea

Korea is globally recognized for its advanced gynecologic surgery and fertility-preserving care, making it an excellent destination for oophorectomy.

✔️ Hospital facilities:

• Equipped with cutting-edge laparoscopic and robotic surgical systems
• Specialized women’s hospitals with oncology and fertility programs
• Comprehensive pre- and post-operative monitoring systems

✔️ Medical expertise:

• Skilled surgeons with high success rates in minimally invasive oophorectomy
• Personalized surgical planning based on patient’s age, fertility goals, and cancer risk
• Integration of Western medical protocols with Korean recovery practices

✔️ Postoperative care:

• Hormone replacement therapy programs for women entering surgical menopause
• Fertility counseling for women retaining one ovary
• Holistic recovery support, including nutrition and stress management

✔️ Cultural aspect:

• Korean healthcare strongly emphasizes fertility preservation and quality of life
• Families often provide strong support during recovery
• Access to Sanhujoriwon-style recovery centers ensures rest, nutrition, and holistic healing

➡️ Highlight: Oophorectomy in Korea provides world-class surgical precision, fertility-conscious approaches, and holistic recovery programs, making it one of the safest and most supportive options for women facing ovarian conditions.