Minimally Invasive Oophorectomy (Fullerton Ave, Chicago)

1. What is Oophorectomy?

Oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of a woman’s ovaries. The ovaries are reproductive glands located on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. There are different types of oophorectomy:

• Unilateral Oophorectomy: Removal of one ovary.
• Bilateral Oophorectomy: Removal of both ovaries.
• Prophylactic Oophorectomy: Removal of healthy ovaries to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, especially in women with a high genetic risk. This procedure can be performed via laparoscopy (minimally invasive) or laparotomy (open surgery), depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s recommendation.

2. Benefits of Oophorectomy

Oophorectomy offers several benefits, especially for women with certain medical conditions:

• Cancer Prevention: Significantly reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, particularly in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
• Treatment of Ovarian Disorders: Helps manage conditions like ovarian cancer, endometriosis, ovarian torsion, and benign ovarian tumors or cysts.
• Symptom Relief: Alleviates symptoms associated with severe endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain when other treatments have failed.
• Hormonal Regulation: In certain cases, it can be part of hormone therapy for transgender individuals or women undergoing gender-affirming surgery.

3. How to Prepare for the Procedure

Preparing for an oophorectomy involves several important steps:

• Consultation with Dr. Adeeb Alshahrour: Schedule a consultation at the Women’s Health Center of Chicago to discuss your medical history, current medications, and the specifics of the procedure.
• Preoperative Testing: You may need to undergo blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly an EKG to ensure you are fit for surgery.
• Medication Review: Inform Dr. Alshahrour about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped before the surgery.
• Fasting Instructions: Follow preoperative instructions regarding fasting, typically requiring no food or drink after midnight on the day of the surgery.
• Arrange Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself due to the effects of anesthesia.

4. What to Expect During the Procedure

During your oophorectomy procedure, here’s what you can expect:

• Anesthesia: You will receive general anesthesia to ensure you are asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
• Incisions: For laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Alshahrour will make small incisions in your abdomen and insert a laparoscope and surgical instruments. For open surgery, a larger incision will be made.
• Procedure: Dr. Alshahrour will carefully remove one or both ovaries, depending on your specific condition and treatment plan.
• Closure: After the ovaries are removed, the incisions will be closed with sutures or surgical tape.
• Recovery Room: You will be taken to a recovery room to be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia.

5. Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery:

• Rest and Recovery: Plan to rest for a few days following the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks.
• Incision Care: Keep the incision sites clean and dry. Follow Dr. Alshahrour’s instructions for wound care and watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Pain Management: You may experience some discomfort and mild pain around the incision sites. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help manage this.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Alshahrour to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.
• Monitor Symptoms: Report any unusual symptoms, such as fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding, to Dr. Alshahrour immediately.