Robotic Laparoscopic Removal of Ovaries and/or Fallopian Tubes

Proactive & Precise: Robotic Removal of Ovaries & Fallopian Tubes

Making the decision to remove your ovaries (oophorectomy) and/or fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) is a profound and proactive step in managing your long-term health. This is not a surgery undertaken lightly; it is a definitive procedure recommended for very specific and important medical reasons, primarily for the treatment or prevention of gynaecological cancer.

At Happiher, Dr. Manou Kaur provides this critical surgery with the highest level of technical skill and compassionate support. By utilizing the da Vinci robotic system, we ensure the procedure is performed with the utmost precision and safety, offering you peace of mind during a pivotal moment in your health journey.

Why is This Procedure Recommended?

The removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes is a powerful medical intervention reserved for clear and serious indications. The primary reasons include:

1. Prophylactic (Risk-Reducing) Surgery for Genetic Carriers: This is the most common reason for proactive removal. Women who carry genetic mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or those associated with Lynch syndrome have a significantly elevated lifetime risk of developing ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. A risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both tubes and ovaries) is the single most effective measure to dramatically lower this risk.
2. As Part of Cancer Treatment: During a hysterectomy for certain types of cancer (e.g., uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer), removing the ovaries and tubes is often a necessary part of the treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.
3. Treatment for Some Severe Gynaecological Conditions: In very rare and severe cases of endometriosis where the ovary is irreparably damaged, or as a last-resort treatment for severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) that has failed all other therapies, removal may be considered.

The Robotic Advantage: Uncompromising Precision for a Critical Procedure

When performing a procedure for risk reduction or cancer treatment, precision and thoroughness are paramount. The da Vinci robotic platform provides essential advantages over traditional open or even standard laparoscopic surgery.

• Superior 3D Vision: The magnified, high-definition 3D camera allows for exceptional visualisation of the delicate structures of the pelvis, including the ureters and major blood vessels, ensuring they are protected throughout the surgery.
• Unmatched Surgical Dexterity: The robotic instruments’ wristed design allows Dr. Kaur to perform incredibly precise dissection, safely separating the ovaries and tubes from their blood supply and surrounding ligaments.
• Complete Tissue Removal: The enhanced view and control ensure the entire fallopian tube and ovary can be removed intact, which is critical for an effective risk-reducing procedure.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is performed through a few small keyhole incisions, leading to less pain, a shorter hospital stay (typically overnight), and a much faster overall recovery.

Managing Your Health After Surgery: A Proactive Approach

We are committed not just to the surgery itself, but to your long-term health and well-being afterwards.

Surgical Menopause: For pre-menopausal women, the removal of both ovaries will induce immediate surgical menopause. The symptoms (such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes) can be more abrupt than with natural menopause.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Managing surgical menopause is a key part of your care. For many women undergoing this procedure for risk-reduction (and who do not have a hormone-sensitive cancer), starting Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) immediately after surgery is the standard of care. This helps to manage menopausal symptoms and protects your long-term bone and cardiovascular health. This will be a central part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.

Your Patient Journey: What to Expect

1. Specialist Consultation: This is a detailed discussion covering your medical history, genetic test results (if applicable), and the long-term implications of the surgery. We will comprehensively plan your post-operative management, including HRT.
2. The Robotic Procedure: Performed under general anaesthesia, the procedure involves the meticulous and safe removal of the specified organs. The tissue is always sent for histopathology analysis.
3. Recovery: You can expect an overnight stay in the hospital. Recovery is swift, with most patients returning to non-strenuous work within 2-4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why do you remove the fallopian tubes?
   Current medical evidence shows that many high-grade “ovarian” cancers actually originate in the fallopian tubes. Therefore, removing the tubes (salpingectomy) is a critical part of the risk-reduction strategy and is now standard practice during both hysterectomy and oophorectomy.
2. What if I am post-menopausal?
   Even after menopause, the ovaries continue to produce small amounts of hormones, and there is still a risk of developing cancer. For risk-reducing surgery, removal is still the recommended course of action.
3. What are the long-term health considerations?
   Beyond menopause, the focus is on bone health (preventing osteoporosis) and cardiovascular health. A tailored HRT plan is the primary strategy to manage these long-term considerations.
4. How long does the surgery take?
   The procedure itself typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes.

Take Control of Your Future Health

This is a significant, empowering decision. We are here to provide the expert surgical care and comprehensive support you need to move forward with confidence.