What is unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy?

Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the surgical removal of one fallopian tube and the corresponding ovary on one side of the body. It is performed for various medical reasons, such as:

- Treatment for certain gynecological conditions: Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy can be used to treat conditions such as ovarian cysts, fallopian tube damage, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis. By removing the affected ovary and fallopian tube, it helps alleviate pain and manage symptoms.

- Preventive measure: In some cases where there's a risk of developing ovarian cancer or fallopian tube cancer due to hereditary factors or genetic mutations (like the presence of BRCA gene mutations), unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be performed as a preventive measure to reduce the risk.

- Fertility preservation: In cases where a woman needs to undergo surgery to remove a diseased ovary or fallopian tube, but wishes to preserve future fertility, unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy can be considered. By removing only the affected structures on one side, it allows the remaining ovary and fallopian tube to function for potential future conception.

- Hysterectomy with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: In some cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be performed alongside the removal of one ovary and fallopian tube. This procedure is commonly known as hysterectomy with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure that should be carefully considered in consultation with a healthcare professional, as it has both physical and emotional implications and may affect a person's fertility options.