The ovaries are two small reproductive organs located on either side of a woman's lower pelvic region. These organs release eggs that can be fertilized by male sperm, leading to pregnancy. Women who have recurrent ovarian health problems, such as ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts or ovarian torsion may undergo a surgical procedure called oophorectomy. Oophorectomy involves the removal of one or both ovaries from a woman's body, UpToDate reports. Women should discuss the potential complications from oophorectomy surgery with a doctor before having this procedure performed.
Tumor Rupture
Removal of a cancerous tumor during oophorectomy surgery can result in a complication called tumor rupture, MayoClinic.com reports. If this occurs, cancerous cells from within the ruptured tumor can invade surrounding tissues, where they may replicate and spread. Tumor rupture complications can increase a woman's risk of developing alternate cancer complications after surgery.
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome
A surgeon may be unable to remove all of a woman's ovary cells during oophorectomy surgery. Ovary cells that remain within the body can cause a oophorectomy surgery complication called ovarian remnant syndrome, UpToDate reports. Women who retain ovary cells can continue to experience uncomfortable ovarian symptoms after surgery, such as pelvic pain.
Organ Damage
Organ damage can occur as a complication from oophorectomy surgery, Aurora Healthcare warns. During this procedure, a surgeon may accidentally damage the organs that surround the ovary, such as the bladder or intestine. If this occurs, affected women may develop urination or bowel complications, such as urinary retention or constipation, after oophorectomy surgery. Typically, such complications are mild and resolve as a woman's body begins to heal from surgery. Extensive organ damage from oophorectomy surgery is rare but may require additional surgical intervention to repair the site of injury.
Premature Menopause
Premenopausal women who have both ovaries removed during oophorectomy surgery go on to develop premature menopause as a complication of this procedure. Symptoms of menopause can include low libido, memory problems, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, depression, osteoporosis or heart disease, MayoClinic.com explains. A doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to help prevent or control the severity of premature menopause symptoms in affected women.
Bleeding, Blood Clots or Infection
Like most surgical procedures, oophorectomy surgery increases a woman's risk of developing bleeding, blood clot or infection complications, Aurora Healthcare reports. Bleeding and infection are rare, but affected women may require additional surgery or antibiotic treatment to resolve these complications. Blood clots can be life-threatening if they interfere with blood flow to a woman's lungs, heart or brain.
