Home > Encyclopedia of Medicine > Salpingo-Oophorectomy

Definition

The surgical removal of a fallopian tube and an ovary.

Purpose

This surgery is performed to treat ovarian or other gynecological cancers, or infections as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease. Occasionally, removal of one or both ovaries may be done to treat endometriosis. If only one tube and ovary are removed, the woman may still be able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.

Description

If the procedure is performed through a laparoscope, the surgeon can avoid a large abdominal incision and can shorten recovery. With this technique, the surgeon makes a small cut through the abdominal wall just below the navel. When the laparoscope is used, the patient can...