Oophorectomy
What is an Oophorectomy?
An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries, often performed to treat ovarian conditions like cysts, tumors, or cancer, or as a preventive measure for high-risk patients. It can be unilateral (one ovary) or bilateral (both ovaries) and may be combined with a hysterectomy or salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tubes). In India, oophorectomies are performed in obstetrics and gynecology departments at hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, and AIIMS, offering advanced care at affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for patients in India to make informed decisions.
Why do you need Oophorectomy?
Oophorectomy is indicated for:
- Therapeutic purposes:
- Ovarian cancer: Confirmed or suspected malignancy (e.g., epithelial, germ cell tumors).
- Large or complex ovarian cysts: Persistent, symptomatic, or with malignant features (e.g., endometriomas, dermoid cysts).
- Ovarian torsion: Twisted ovary causing severe pain, often with a cyst.
- Severe endometriosis: When ovarian involvement causes intractable pain or infertility.
- Pelvic infection: Abscess or severe pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Preventive (prophylactic):
- High genetic risk: BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations (40–60% lifetime ovarian cancer risk); often bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).
- Family history: Strong history of ovarian or breast cancer.
- Other:
- As part of hysterectomy: For conditions like endometrial cancer or severe fibroids.
- Hormone suppression: Rarely, to treat hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer in premenopausal women).
The procedure aims to treat or prevent disease, alleviate symptoms, or reduce cancer risk. Bilateral oophorectomy in premenopausal women induces surgical menopause, as ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone.
Why Do Oophorectomy Costs Vary in India?
Costs range from ₹3,50,000 to ₹6 lakh:
- Procedure Type:
- Laparoscopic unilateral: ₹3,50,000–₹4.5 lakh
- Bilateral or with cancer staging: ₹4.5–6 lakh
- Open: ₹4–5 lakh
- Hospital/Location: Higher in metro cities (e.g., Apollo, Fortis); lower in government hospitals (e.g., AIIMS, ₹80,000–₹2.4 lakh)
- Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced gynecologists or oncologists charge more
- Additional Costs:
- Anesthesia: ₹20,000–₹60,000
- Hospital stay: ₹10,000–₹40,000/day
- Pathology: ₹4,000–₹10,000
- Diagnostic tests: ₹15,000–₹25,000
- Insurance: Covered for therapeutic or prophylactic indications; confirm with your provider
Oophorectomy Procedure
- Before Surgery Evaluation:
- Diagnosis:
- Transvaginal ultrasound: Assesses ovarian cysts, tumors, or masses.
- MRI/CT (if cancer suspected): Evaluates spread (e.g., lymph nodes, peritoneum).
- Tumor markers: CA-125 (elevated in ovarian cancer, endometriomas), AFP, and β-hCG (for germ cell tumors).
- Blood tests: Hemoglobin, clotting profile, and kidney/liver function.
- Genetic testing: BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations for prophylactic cases.
- Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior; antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin) pre-surgery.
- Consent: Risks, including surgical menopause (if bilateral), are explained.
- Diagnosis:
- Surgical Techniques:
- Laparoscopic Oophorectomy:
- Minimally invasive, lasting 1–2 hours, under general anesthesia.
- 3–4 small incisions (0.5–1 cm) in the abdomen (one near the navel, others lower).
- CO2 gas inflates the abdomen for visualization.
- A laparoscope (camera) guides the procedure; the ovary is detached from ligaments and blood vessels using laparoscopic tools.
- The ovary is placed in an endobag and removed through an incision to prevent spillage (esp. if malignancy suspected).
- Open (Abdominal) Oophorectomy:
- Performed through a larger incision (5–15 cm, horizontal or vertical), lasting 1–3 hours.
- Used for large masses, extensive cancer, or significant adhesions.
- The ovary is removed; additional staging (e.g., lymph node biopsy) may be done for cancer.
- Unilateral vs. Bilateral:
- Unilateral: Preserves one ovary for hormonal function and fertility (if uterus remains).
- Bilateral (BSO): Often with salpingectomy; induces menopause if premenopausal.
- Intraoperative Tools:
- Laparoscope: Visualizes pelvic structures.
- Endobag: Prevents spillage of ovarian contents.
- Frozen section: Immediate pathology (if malignancy suspected) to guide further surgery (e.g., staging).
- Laparoscopic Oophorectomy:
- After Surgery:
- Hospital stay: 1–2 days (laparoscopic); 3–5 days (open).
- Pain management: IV analgesics (e.g., morphine) for 1–2 days, then oral (e.g., ibuprofen).
- Antibiotics: For 1–2 days to prevent infection.
- Pathology report: Within 5–7 days (confirms diagnosis, e.g., benign vs. malignant).
- Menopause management (bilateral, premenopausal): Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) considered if no contraindications (e.g., cancer).
Recovery After Oophorectomy
- Hospital Stay: 1–2 days (laparoscopic); 3–5 days (open).
- Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain: Incision pain and shoulder discomfort (from CO2 gas, laparoscopic) for 3–5 days (laparoscopic) or 1–2 weeks (open), managed with analgesics.
- Activity: Walking within 24 hours to prevent clots; avoid heavy lifting (>5 kg) or strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks (laparoscopic) or 6–8 weeks (open).
- Bleeding: Light vaginal spotting for 1–2 weeks; heavy bleeding is abnormal.
- Menopause (bilateral, premenopausal): Hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness; HRT may be offered (if safe).
- Intercourse: Avoid for 4–6 weeks until healed.
- Bowel/bladder: Normal function resumes in 1–3 days; laxatives if constipated.
- Diet: Start with liquids, progress to solids; high-protein foods (e.g., eggs, lentils) and fiber (e.g., fruits) aid healing; 2–3 liters water daily.
- Follow-Up:
- Visit at 1–2 weeks for wound check; 6 weeks for recovery assessment.
- Oncology referral (if cancer): For adjuvant therapy (e.g., chemotherapy).
- Menopause management: Monitor bone health (calcium, vitamin D) if menopausal.
Most resume normal activities in 2–4 weeks (laparoscopic) or 4–6 weeks (open). Symptom relief: 85–90% for pain or pressure (e.g., cysts, torsion). Cancer outcomes depend on stage (e.g., early-stage ovarian cancer, 70–90% 5-year survival).
Risks and Complications
- Surgical Risks:
- Bleeding (2–5%): 1–2% may need transfusion; rare reoperation.
- Infection (2–3%): Wound, urinary tract, or pelvic; treated with antibiotics.
- Blood clots (1–2%): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT); early ambulation reduces risk.
- Organ Injury:
- Bowel/bladder injury (1–2%, laparoscopic): Rare, requires repair.
- Ureter injury (<1%): May need stenting or repair.
- Long-Term:
- Surgical menopause (bilateral, premenopausal): Hot flashes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular risk; HRT mitigates but not always suitable (e.g., cancer).
- Adhesions (3–5%): Scar tissue causing pain; may need adhesiolysis.
- Fertility loss (bilateral): Ends natural fertility; unilateral preserves fertility if uterus remains (90–95% of cases).
- Emotional impact: 5–10% experience grief/loss of fertility; counseling helps.
- Cancer-Specific: Recurrence (e.g., ovarian cancer, 20–50% if advanced stage); requires adjuvant therapy.
Report fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or difficulty urinating promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why might I need an oophorectomy?
For ovarian cancer, large/suspicious cysts, torsion, severe endometriosis, or as a preventive measure (e.g., BRCA mutations).
Will I go into menopause after oophorectomy?
Yes, if bilateral and premenopausal; unilateral oophorectomy preserves hormonal function if the other ovary is healthy.
Can I avoid oophorectomy?
Yes, for benign cysts: 70–80% resolve with observation or cystectomy (preserves ovary); surgery is for malignancy, torsion, or severe symptoms.
How soon can I resume activities?
Light activities in 1–2 weeks; normal routines in 2–6 weeks, depending on the approach.
Is oophorectomy covered by insurance in India?
Yes, for therapeutic or prophylactic indications; confirm with your provider.
Signs of complications?
Fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or difficulty urinating.
Will I lose fertility?
Bilateral: Yes, ends natural fertility; unilateral: Preserves fertility in 90–95% of cases if the uterus remains.
Lifestyle changes post-surgery?
Avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks, consider HRT (if menopausal and safe), monitor bone health, attend follow-ups, and seek counseling if needed.
Conclusion
Oophorectomy is an effective procedure for treating ovarian conditions or preventing cancer, with a relatively quick recovery when done laparoscopically. India’s top hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS) provide affordable, expert care. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs helps patients approach oophorectomy confidently. Consult a gynecologist or oncologist for personalized guidance and optimal outcomes.
Looking for Best Hospitals for Oophorectomy
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
we are not promoting any hospitals we sourced all the details from google and hospitals website, please verify and start with your surgery here we go the list includes government, budget and superspeciality hospitals accreditation bodies are the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₹) | Maximum Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
Agra |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Ahmedabad |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Ajmer |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Aligarh |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Allahabad |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Amritsar |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Aurangabad |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Bangalore |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Bareilly |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Belgaum |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Bhopal |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Bhubaneswar |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Bikaner |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Chandigarh |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Chennai |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Coimbatore |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Dehradun |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Delhi |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Dhanbad |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Durgapur |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Faridabad |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Ghaziabad |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Gorakhpur |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Guntur |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Gurgaon |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Guwahati |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Gwalior |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Hyderabad |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Indore |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Jabalpur |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Jaipur |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Jalandhar |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Jamshedpur |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Jodhpur |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Kanpur |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Kochi |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Kolkata |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Kollam |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Lucknow |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Ludhiana |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Madurai |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Mangalore |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Meerut |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Moradabad |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Mumbai |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Mysore |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Nagpur |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Nashik |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Navi Mumbai |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Noida |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Patna |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Pune |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Raipur |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Rajkot |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Ranchi |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Surat |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Thane |
3,00,000 |
7,00,000 |
Vadodara |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Varanasi |
2,50,000 |
6,50,000 |
Visakhapatnam |
2,75,000 |
6,75,000 |
Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.