Adnexectomy refers to the surgical removal of the so-called adnexa, meaning a woman's ovaries and/or fallopian tubes. The term comes from Latin and is used mainly in medical letters, reports, or operation notes when such a procedure has been carried out or is planned.
What are the adnexa?
In gynaecology, the word "adnexa" refers to the ovaries and fallopian tubes together. Both organs sit in the lower pelvis and are important parts of the female reproductive system. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, while the fallopian tubes carry the egg towards the womb.
When is an adnexectomy carried out?
An adnexectomy is usually considered when there is a condition affecting the ovaries or fallopian tubes that cannot be treated in another way. Common reasons include benign or malignant tumours, cysts, long-term inflammation, endometriosis, or complications such as an ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes the procedure is also carried out as a preventive measure, for example when there is a very high risk of ovarian cancer, such as in certain genetic conditions.
Depending on the findings, either only part of the adnexa may be removed (for example, one ovary or one fallopian tube), or both sides may be operated on at the same time. Medical reports will often refer to a "unilateral" or "bilateral adnexectomy".
How does the operation work?
The removal of the adnexa can be done in different ways. Today, keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) is often used, which requires only small incisions. In some cases, however, an open operation through a larger abdominal cut is needed, for example if the affected area is very large or if there are complications.
During the procedure, the affected ovaries and/or fallopian tubes are carefully separated and removed. The operation usually takes between one and two hours. Afterwards, patients typically stay in hospital for a few days so that healing can be monitored and any possible complications can be spotted early.
What does an adnexectomy mean for the body?
The effects of an adnexectomy depend on whether only one side or both sides were removed. If only one ovary or fallopian tube is taken out, fertility is often preserved in many cases, as the other side can take over the function. However, if both ovaries are removed, a sudden drop in hormone levels occurs, because the production of oestrogen and progesterone stops completely. This leads to symptoms similar to the menopause, such as hot flushes, sleep problems, mood changes, and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Many people wonder whether pregnancy is still possible after an adnexectomy. After a one-sided removal, there is often still a chance of becoming pregnant naturally. After a two-sided operation, however, natural pregnancy is no longer possible.
Common worries and concerns about adnexectomy
The prospect of an adnexectomy causes uncertainty for many people. Questions about whether hormone levels will become unbalanced or whether fertility will be lost are particularly common concerns. Worries about the risk of complications, pain after the operation, and the long-term effects on wellbeing are also frequent.
If the operation has been recommended because of cancer, additional fears often arise: What happens next? What are the chances of recovery? Will further treatment be needed? All of these questions are completely understandable and should be discussed in a personal conversation with the treating doctor.
What happens after the procedure?
After an adnexectomy, follow-up care is needed in most cases. This includes regular check-ups to monitor healing and to identify any possible long-term effects. If both ovaries have been removed, hormone therapy may be considered to ease the symptoms of hormone deficiency, though this depends on the individual situation and any existing health conditions.
Most people recover within a few weeks of the procedure. Mild pain, a feeling of tightness in the abdomen, or tiredness in the first few days is not unusual. Taking it easy, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding heavy physical activity all support the healing process.
Other terms related to adnexectomy
In medical letters related to adnexectomy, other terms often appear alongside it. "Salpingo-oophorectomy" is used when both the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed. If only one ovary is removed, this is called an "oophorectomy", and if only one fallopian tube is removed, it is called a "salpingectomy". All of these terms describe a specific part of what falls under adnexectomy.
If you see the term adnexectomy in a medical report, it means that a surgical procedure on the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes has taken place or is planned. The exact meaning and the individual effects always depend on the personal situation. A thorough conversation with the treating medical team helps to answer open questions and plan the next steps.
