If you suffer from ovarian cysts or are at high risk for ovarian cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).
A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Though minimally invasive, the type of BSO surgery you receive will determine your recovery time.
you are interested in receiving a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in Cleveland, speak with our caring gynecologists in Lyndhurst and Westlake about your questions and concerns.
There are three types of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy procedures:
Your gynecologist and surgeon can determine which procedure is best for you. Open bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a standard surgical procedure. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a single incision across the lower abdomen and removes the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Alternatively, a laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy requires several micro incisions instead of one horizontal one. The first micro-incision is used to insert harmless carbon dioxide gas into your abdomen. The gas provides space between your organs so the surgeon can insert cameras and precision tools to do the actual surgery.
Your surgeon then makes several additional small incisions, through which the tiny cameras and tools can be placed and controlled. The surgeon completes the entire procedure working through the small incisions. The surgeon then removes the fallopian tubes and ovaries via the minor incisions.
Finally, a robotic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy surgery is the same as a laparoscopic BSO, with the addition of an automated tool to help aid in precision. A robotic arm guides the surgical devices, providing the most accurate cutting possible around the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Your gynecologist may recommend a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy if you have:
Additionally, OBGYNs in Cleveland frequently recommend a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for patients at high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer due to environmental or genetic factors.
To mitigate stress and to speed up post-surgery recovery, there are several specific steps patients should take. First, patients should avoid blood thinners and nutritional supplements a few weeks before the surgery. Patients should try to sleep at least eight hours the night before the surgery. Ample rest aids a speedy recovery. It is also essential to avoid food and beverages after midnight on the day of the surgery, including gum, hard candy, and even water.
The most significant benefits of this procedure include a decreased risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Although a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a widespread and generally safe surgical procedure in Cleveland, potential side effects may include:
Because the surgery removes your ovaries and fallopian tubes, you will no longer be able to conceive a child. Additionally, you will no longer menstruate after this procedure. Some patients may experience specific biological effects commonly associated with menopause, such as night sweats and hot flashes. Our compassionate gynecologists could provide recommendations to alleviate and control these symptoms should they occur.
The recovery time for a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy varies based on two factors: the individual and the procedure. Many laparoscopic BSO patients in Cleveland can return home the day of the surgery. Sometimes an overnight stay in the hospital is recommended for monitoring. Total recovery time typically takes between two to four weeks. Open BSO patients may need to stay in the hospital for several days. The recovery time for this procedure is up to eight weeks.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s and gynecologist’s recommendations before returning to regular physical activity. As such, you must avoid sexual intercourse until your doctor has cleared you medically.