Definition

Noun: - Surgical removal of one or both ovaries: A medical procedure where an ovary or ovaries are removed through surgery. This operation is also commonly known as an oophorectomy.

Usage

This term is used in medical and clinical contexts to describe a specific surgical intervention. - The procedure is performed for various reasons, including treating ovarian cancer, cysts, endometriosis, or as part of a risk-reduction strategy. - It is a formal, technical term.

Examples

• The patient underwent an ovariectomy to treat a benign tumor.
• A prophylactic ovariectomy may be recommended for individuals with a high genetic risk of ovarian cancer.
• After the ovariectomy, hormone replacement therapy was discussed.

Advanced Usage

• Bilateral ovariectomy: Refers to the surgical removal of both ovaries.
  • A bilateral ovariectomy induces surgical menopause.
• Unilateral ovariectomy: Refers to the surgical removal of a single ovary.
  • After the unilateral ovariectomy, her remaining ovary maintained hormonal function.

Variants and Related Words

• Oophorectomy: A direct synonym for ovariectomy; the terms are often used interchangeably in medicine.
• Salpingo-oophorectomy: A related surgical procedure involving the removal of an ovary and its adjacent fallopian tube.

Synonyms

• Oophorectomy: The removal of an ovary or ovaries (identical meaning).
• Ovarian ablation: A broader term that can encompass surgical or other methods of stopping ovarian function.

Notes on Meaning

While "ovariectomy" specifically denotes the surgical removal of the ovary/ovaries, it is distinct from: - Ovarian cystectomy: Surgical removal of a cyst from the ovary while preserving the ovary itself. - Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, which may or may not be performed along with an ovariectomy.

Noun

1. surgical removal of one of both ovaries