Our Summary
This study looked at the health outcomes and complications of women who had two surgeries at once - a hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy - compared to women who only had a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The data was collected from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program and included women who had these surgeries for non-cancerous reasons. The researchers took into account other health conditions the women may have had, their age, and the method of hysterectomy.
They found that having both surgeries did not increase the chance of complications during the hospital stay. However, it did mean a longer stay in the hospital and a higher chance of needing to be readmitted within 30 days. Women who had complications were more likely to be readmitted. The only medical complication linked to having both surgeries was urethral obstruction.
In conclusion, having a hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the same time does not increase the risk of complications during the hospital stay.
FAQs
- What is a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and how does it differ from a hysterectomy?
- Did the study find an increased risk of complications for women who had both a hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the same time?
- What was the only medical complication linked to having both a hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the same time?
Doctor’s Tip
However, it is important to be aware that it may lead to a longer hospital stay and an increased risk of needing to be readmitted within 30 days. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor before undergoing these surgeries. Additionally, make sure to follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications and promote a healthy recovery.
Suitable For
This type of surgery is typically recommended for women with certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease. It may also be recommended for women at high risk for ovarian or breast cancer, such as those with a family history of these diseases or certain genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2). Additionally, women who have completed their family planning and do not wish to have children in the future may choose to have a salpingo-oophorectomy as a form of permanent birth control.
Timeline
However, it does result in a longer hospital stay and a higher likelihood of being readmitted within 30 days. The only complication specifically associated with having both surgeries was urethral obstruction. Overall, the study suggests that the combined surgeries do not pose a significant increase in health risks for women undergoing these procedures.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about salpingo-oophorectomy include:
- What are the reasons for recommending a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in addition to a hysterectomy?
- What are the potential benefits of having both surgeries at the same time?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy?
- How will the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes impact my hormone levels and overall health?
- Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
- How long is the recovery period expected to be after having both surgeries?
- What follow-up care will be needed after the procedures?
- How will the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes affect my future fertility and menopausal symptoms?
- Are there any long-term health implications to consider after having a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy?
- What is the likelihood of needing to be readmitted to the hospital or experiencing complications after having both surgeries?
Reference
Authors: Lai JC, Chen HH, Chu KH, Wang KL, Huang N, Hu HY, Chou YJ. Journal: Menopause. 2017 Feb;24(2):187-195. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000746. PMID: 27779566