Oophorectomy

Oophorectomy is a medical term which is based on the Greek word “oophoros” which means “egg-bearing” and “ektome” which means “cutting off”; hence, it is the removal of an ovary (unilateral oophorectomy) or ovaries (bilateral oopheroctomy). The reasons for this surgical procedure include the removal of ovarian cysts, to lessen the probability of developing ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer, ovarian torsion (twisting of ovaries), endometriosis and in conjunction with the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). The risks include infection, damage to nearby organs, retention of ovary cells which may continue to cause symptoms, and inability to get pregnant.