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Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes. It may be performed on its own or during another operation, such as a hysterectomy. The uterus is not removed unless a hysterectomy is also planned. Removing both ovaries before natural menopause causes surgical menopause.
read more about bilateral salpingooophorectomy ...The operation may treat cancer involving the ovaries or fallopian tubes or form part of treatment for another pelvic condition. It may also reduce cancer risk for someone with a high inherited risk of ovarian cancer. The reason for surgery affects whether other organs or tissues need to be removed. Before surgery, the care team discusses the expected benefits, fertility effects, and consequences of losing ovarian hormones.
The surgeon separates both ovaries and fallopian tubes from their blood supply and surrounding tissue. The organs may be removed through small abdominal incisions or through a larger incision, depending on the condition and surgical plan. A laparoscopic approach uses a camera to guide the instruments. Other planned procedures may be performed during the same operation.
Removing both ovaries before menopause causes a sudden drop in ovarian hormone production. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other menopause symptoms may follow. The operation also ends the ability to produce eggs for a future pregnancy. A clinician can discuss whether hormone therapy is appropriate and how to manage longer-term health effects.
Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, and complications related to anesthesia. Recovery depends on the surgical approach and whether another operation was performed at the same time. Early ovary removal can affect bone and cardiovascular health, so age and medical history are part of the decision. The surgeon provides individual instructions for activity, incision care, and follow-up.
No. Removing the uterus requires a hysterectomy, which may be performed during the same operation.
Yes, when performed before natural menopause. Removing both ovaries causes an immediate loss of their hormone production.
No. Risk-reducing surgery lowers the risk substantially, but cancer can still develop in tissue lining the abdomen.
The person can no longer produce eggs. If the uterus remains, pregnancy with a donated egg or previously stored embryo may be possible with fertility treatment.
About Your Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-your-bilateral-salpingo-oophorectomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Oophorectomy (ovary removal surgery). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oophorectomy/about/pac-20385030. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Opportunistic Salpingectomy as a Strategy for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Prevention. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/04/opportunistic-salpingectomy-as-a-strategy-for-epithelial-ovarian-cancer-prevention. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Robotic Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy. University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/robotic-bilateral-salpingo-oophorectomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Salpingo-oophorectomy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/oophorectomy.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.