Oöphorectomy Health Dictionary

Removal of the ovaries, usually to treat ovarian cysts or cancer (see ovary, cancer of). A partial oophorectomy may be performed to preserve ovarian function in women under 40. In a hysterectomy, both ovaries may be removed if disease has spread from the uterus, or to prevent ovarian cancer from developing in the future. The ovaries may be removed as part of the treatment for breast cancer if growth of the tumour depends on hormones produced by the ovary. If both ovaries are removed before the menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRS) may be needed.

Removal, by operation, of an ovary (see OVARIES). When the ovary is removed for the presence of a cyst, the term ovariotomy is usually employed (see OVARIES, DISEASES OF).

(ovariectomy) n. surgical removal of an ovary, performed, for example, when the ovary contains tumours or cysts or is otherwise diseased. See also ovariotomy.