Oophorectomy is the removal of one or both ovaries, which
may be necessary because of ovarian cysts or ovarian pain.
The uterus is left intact.
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
takes about 1 hour.
The procedure is commonly performed laparoscopically, using
a small, fibre-optic 'telescope' which is inserted into the
abdomen through a small incision. Occasionally
a conventional operation (laparotomy) is used.
There will be some discomfort following surgery, which
will be controlled with pain killers.
The average length of stay in hospital is 24 hours
following laparoscopy and 2-3 days following conventional
surgery. Complete recovery is quicker following
laparoscopy, but usually occurs within 4 weeks.
If both ovaries are removed, hormone replacement
therapy (HRT) will usually be given following
surgery.
Ovarian cystectomy is performed to remove non-cancerous
cysts.
The operation is carried out under a general
anaesthetic and takes about 40-60 minutes.
The procedure is commonly performed laparoscopically, using
a small, fibre-optic 'telescope' which is inserted into the
abdomen through a small incision. Occasionally
a conventional operation (laparotomy) is used.
The cyst is carefully cut away from the ovary and sent
for laboratory testing. The ovary is then stitched and
returned to its normal size and shape. The Fallopian tubes
are unaffected.
There will be some discomfort following surgery which
will be controlled with pain killers.
The ovarian hormone levels are unchanged and
fertility should be unaffected.
The average hospital stay is one day and complete recovery
usually occurs within 4 weeks. If the operation has been
performed using 'key-hole' surgery (laparoscopy), the
ecovery time will be shorter.
The Bartholin's glands lie at the entrance to the vagina
and secrete mucus. The duct to a gland can become blocked
causing a small swelling called a cyst. If this cyst
becomes infected, an abscess containing pus forms.
A 'marsupialization', which simply means to form a
pouch, is performed to allow the mucus secreted by the
gland to drain away.
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic,
sometimes as an emergency procedure, and takes 10-15
minutes.
During surgery a small 'wick' of cotton gauze will
usually be inserted into the cyst cavity to help the gland
drain and prevent the cavity from healing over. This 'wick'
will be removed the following day.
There will be some discomfort following surgery which
will be controlled with pain killers.
The average hospital stay is 24 hours and normal activities
can usually be resumed within 2-3 days.
