Why take the Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries?

Why take the fallopian tubes and ovaries?

 

Booking a hysterectomy for a non-cancerous cause, then why take the fallopian tubes and ovaries?

Removal of ovaries is not necessary

The main reason doctors recommend removing the ovaries during hysterectomy is to lower the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

This requires a full discussion about the risks and complications as well as any potential benefits. Counselling is paramount for the patient to make an informed decision. Routine removal is an outdated view.

Some surgeons feel it’s best to leave healthy ovaries in place if the risk of ovarian cancer is small – for example, if there’s no family history of the condition. This is because the ovaries produce several female hormones that can help protect against health problems such as weak bones (osteoporosis).

The risk of coronary heart disease and death is lower in women whose ovaries are conserved, compared with those who have had them removed. There is solid data that says death from all causes is less if the ovaries are left in place.