ADNEXECTOMY

What is an adnexectomy?

An adnexectomy is a surgical procedure which is done in conjunction with a hysterectomy, in which a lump in the tissue of the adnexa of the uterus is removed. An adnexectomy can be either the removal of one or both of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) or the removal of one or both of the ovaries (oophorectomy). In some cases both the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed, which is called salpingo-oophorecotmy. After either of these surgeries you will be infertile and unable to conceive a child.

What does an adnexectomy involve?

Traditional surgery involves a cut being made in the abdomen to remove the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Dr Mutanda-Musoke is also able to do this surgery laporascopically, in which small cuts are made and a tiny camera is inserted to view the organs and remove the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Laparoscopic adnexectomy (oophorectomy, salpingectomy and salpingo-oophorecotmy) is the preferred surgery as the recovery is faster than traditional surgery and the scaring is minimal.

Why should I have an adnexectomy?

An adnexectomy (oophorectomy, salpingectomy and salpingo-oophorecotmy) is done as a last resort to treating conditions such as ovarian cancer, endometriosis, ovarian torsion, pelvic infection, ectopic pregnancy and benign tumours, cysts, or abscesses.

This surgery can also be done to reduce the risk of ovarian and breast cancer for women who carry the BRCA gene or who are at high risk of developing cancer.