Removal of both ovaries
Prophylactic oophorectomy reduces significantly the risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
What is the oophorectomy?
It is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
What is the indication of prophylactic oophorectomy?
Prophylactic oophorectomy is recommended to women who have high risk for breast cancer or ovarian cancer, namely:
- The women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- The women who have a substantial family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer without a proven gene mutation (such as BRCA1/ BRCA2 mutation)
How much can prophylactic oophorectomy reduce the risk of breast or ovarian cancer?
If you have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, the prophylactic oophorectomy:
- Reduce the risk of breast cancer development by 50% in menopausal women
- Reduce the risk of ovarian cancer development by 90%
Which surgical technique is recommended for prophylactic oophorectomy?
Prophylactic oophorectomy can be performed making a big incision through the abdominal wall (like the incision of cesarean section) or laparoscopically.
Why is laparoscopic oophorectomy recommended?
- Short hospitalization time (usually you discharge from the hospital a day after the procedure)
- Rapid recovery and return to normal activity
- Significantly less post operative pain
- The incisions are less than 1 centimeter, so the cosmetic result is better
- It is a safe procedure with few post operative complications (including infections)
- At the same time of the surgery, the doctor can closely examine the abdomen organs due to high definition images and the visual magnification
- Improvement of fertility rates
How do I decide which option is better for me?
Consult Dr. Marinakis a specialist Gynecologist - Endoscopic surgeon.
Doctor should examine you in order to be assured that there is an indication for a Laparoscopic surgery.
If they have discouraged you from Laparoscopy, and you do not have enough information not only about the indications of the procedure, but also about your plan of treatment, you might have been in the wrong place!
Overall, laparoscopy is a really safe procedure; however every single medical procedure is safe only if it is managed by a specialist.
Gynecologist Dr. Marinakis specialises in gynecological hysteroscopy. He is certified in advanced laparoscopy and hysteroscopy by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He was also a member of Laparoscopic training unit “MATTU” in United Kingdom.
How much does a laparoscopy cost?
The cost of a laparoscopic procedure is low and it usually depends on your health insurance cover.
