Laparoscopic oophorectomy and salpingectomy

Summary

Laparoscopic oophorectomy (removal of an ovary) and salpingectomy (removal of a fallopian tube) are keyhole operations to remove an ovary, a tube, or both together (salpingo-oophorectomy) — on one side or both. They are recommended when an ovary or tube is diseased, or to reduce future cancer risk.

• Done through 3–4 small keyhole cuts under general anaesthetic; usually home the same or next day.
• Removing one ovary does not change your hormones or bring on menopause — the other ovary takes over.
• Removing both ovaries before menopause causes immediate surgical menopause — discussed fully beforehand, usually with a plan for hormone replacement.
• Removing tubes alone does not affect hormones at all.
• Recovery is quick: most women are back to normal in 1–2 weeks.

This information supports discussion with your healthcare team. Reading, saving or printing it does not constitute consent to surgery.

About the operation

Which organs are removed — and on which side — depends entirely on why you need surgery, so the exact operation is agreed with you beforehand:

• Salpingectomy — removal of a fallopian tube: for a damaged or fluid-filled tube (hydrosalpinx), to reduce future ovarian cancer risk during other surgery, or for ectopic pregnancy — the latter covered in detail in our ectopic pregnancy surgery guide.
• Oophorectomy — removal of an ovary: when a cyst or mass has replaced the ovary, after torsion (twisting) that has damaged it, or where removing the whole ovary is safer than cutting into it (see our ovarian cystectomy guide for when the cyst alone can be removed).
• Salpingo-oophorectomy — tube and ovary together: the usual operation for a suspicious mass, or as risk-reducing surgery for women at high inherited risk.

Everything removed is sent to the laboratory. The tissue is placed in a retrieval bag and removed intact through a keyhole cut — no division of tissue loose in the abdomen.

Why it is performed

• An ovarian cyst or mass where removing the whole ovary is the safe option — including suspected abnormal growths
• Ectopic pregnancy in the tube — see our dedicated ectopic pregnancy surgery guide
• Hydrosalpinx — a damaged, fluid-filled tube, often removed before IVF to improve success
• Torsion that has cut off the blood supply
• Risk-reducing surgery for women at high inherited risk of ovarian cancer (e.g. BRCA), once their family is complete
• Severe endometriosis or chronic infection involving the tube or ovary

Benefits

• The diseased organ — and the problem — is removed, with a tissue diagnosis from the laboratory.
• Keyhole recovery — small cuts, little pain, home within a day, normal life in 1–2 weeks.
• For risk-reducing surgery, removing tubes and ovaries greatly lowers future ovarian cancer risk.

Alternatives

• Watchful waiting — simple-looking cysts are often just monitored with scans.
• Ovarian cystectomy — removing only the cyst and keeping the ovary, where safe — see our guide.
• Medical treatment — some ectopic pregnancies can be treated with methotrexate instead of surgery; see the ectopic guide.
• Open surgery — occasionally needed for very large masses.

Preparing for surgery

You will have ultrasound imaging as a matter of routine, blood tests (including tumour markers where a mass is being assessed), blood pressure checks and a review of your medicines and general health. If both ovaries are to be removed before menopause, the menopause consequences and the hormone replacement plan are agreed before the operation. Tell the team about all medicines you take — blood thinners may need adjusting.

• Fasting: typically no food from 6 hours before, water up to 2 hours before.
• At home: arrange someone to take you home and help for the first few days.

The day of surgery

You are admitted on the day of surgery. The team confirms your identity and exactly what is planned — which side, which organs. You meet the anaesthetist and surgeon, and sign the consent form, which also records what should happen if unexpected findings are encountered. You can still change your mind at this point. Compression stockings are usually fitted.

During the operation

Under general anaesthetic the abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas, and the laparoscope and instruments work through 3–4 small cuts. The surgeon inspects the pelvis, frees the tube and/or ovary from its attachments, seals its blood vessels, and removes it in a retrieval bag through one of the cuts. The ureter — the tube from kidney to bladder that runs close by — is identified and protected. The operation usually takes 45 minutes to 1½ hours.

Very occasionally the operation must be converted to open surgery for safety; this is discussed before consent.

After the operation

• Shoulder-tip pain from the gas for a day or two is common and settles on its own.
• Pain relief: regular simple painkillers control most discomfort.
• Moving: up and about the same day; early walking speeds recovery and protects against clots.
• Going home: usually the same or the following day.

Recovery at home

• Week 1: rest with gentle activity; short walks; avoid heavy lifting.
• Weeks 1–2: most women return to routine work and normal activity.
• Driving: when you can perform an emergency stop comfortably — usually 1–2 weeks; check your insurer.
• Results and follow-up: the laboratory report takes about 1–2 weeks; attend your follow-up to hear it and agree next steps.
• If both ovaries were removed before menopause: menopausal symptoms can start within days — follow the hormone plan agreed beforehand and report troublesome symptoms early.

Risks and complications

Figures below are averages from published UK guidance; your own risk depends on the reason for surgery, the size of any mass, and previous surgery.

Expected, temporary effects

• Shoulder-tip pain, bruising around the cuts, tiredness for a few days

Complications

• Bleeding needing transfusion or return to theatre (uncommon).
• Infection — wound, urine or chest (uncommon, usually minor).
• Injury to the bladder, bowel or ureter — recognised injuries are repaired (rare).
• Blood clots (VTE) — preventive measures are routine (uncommon).
• Conversion to open surgery for safety (uncommon).
• Surgical menopause — immediate, if both ovaries are removed before menopause (expected, not a complication — but its effects are real and managed).
• Fertility — removing one ovary/tube usually leaves fertility close to normal; removing both ends it. Be certain of your family plans before consenting.
• Anaesthetic risks — serious complications are rare in otherwise healthy women.

When to seek help

After you go home, seek medical advice the same day if you notice:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding — bright red, or soaking a pad in an hour
• Fever (38 °C or higher) or feeling increasingly unwell
• Worsening abdominal pain not controlled by your painkillers
• An offensive-smelling vaginal discharge
• A keyhole wound that becomes red, swollen, hot or leaks fluid
• Burning on passing urine, or being unable to pass urine
• A painful, swollen or red leg

Preparing for your consent discussion

Consent is a conversation, not a signature. Before agreeing you should feel you understand why this procedure is recommended for you, what the realistic alternatives are, and which risks matter most in your case. Print this checklist and bring it to your consultation.

Sources and review

This page was drafted against the published guidance below. Each reference was live when checked; dates will be confirmed at clinical review.

1. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Ovarian masses in premenopausal women (Green-top guideline No. 62) and related patient information. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/ [last checked 12 August 2026].
2. National Health Service (UK). Ovarian cyst — treatment. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/treatment/ [last checked 12 August 2026].
3. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Ectopic pregnancy — patient information. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/ [last checked 12 August 2026].