Robotic Laparoscopic Salpingectomy or Oophorectomy
Robotic removal of the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes is a keyhole procedure used to treat certain gynaecological conditions or reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Performed through small abdominal incisions, it uses robotic-assisted instruments to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy), fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), or both.
When the Procedure May Be Recommended
Risk-Reducing Surgery for Genetic Cancer Risk
Women who carry inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome have a significantly higher lifetime risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer.
A risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and tubes) is currently the most effective way to substantially lower this risk.
Part of Treatment for Gynaecological Cancer
Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be recommended during surgery for certain cancers, including:
Endometrial (uterine) cancer
Ovarian cancer
Some pelvic malignancies
Removing these organs helps prevent disease progression or recurrence.
Severe Gynaecological Conditions
In selected cases, surgery may also be considered for conditions such as:
Advanced endometriosis involving the ovaries
Persistent ovarian cysts or tumours
Severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) resistant to other treatments
The decision is always made after careful specialist assessment.
Advantages of Robotic Laparoscopic Salpingectomy or Oophorectomy
High surgical precision - advanced 3D visualisation and articulated instruments allow accurate removal of the ovaries and fallopian tube
Faster recovery - because the surgery is performed through small incisions, recovery is typically quicker with less post-operative pain and scarring
Shorter hospital stay - most patients are discharged the same day
What to Expect
Consultation, assessment and planning
A detailed specialist consultation with Mr Richard Flint to review your symptoms, medical history and genetic testing results if relevant. Surgical options and long-term considerations will be discussed.
The operation
Robotic salpingectomy or oophorectomy is performed under general anaesthesia using small keyhole incisions in the abdomen. The ovaries and/or fallopian tubes are carefully removed and sent for histopathological analysis.
Recovery
Most patients are discharged home the same day. Typical recovery includes:
Light activity within a few days
Return to normal daily activities within 2–4 weeks
Surgical Menopause
For women who have both ovaries removed before natural menopause, the procedure will result in immediate surgical menopause. Possible symptoms may include:
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Mood changes
Vaginal dryness
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
For many women undergoing surgery for cancer risk reduction, HRT may be recommended following surgery to manage symptoms and protect long-term health, including bone density and cardiovascular wellbeing. This is carefully discussed during the pre-operative consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are fallopian tubes often removed?
Research suggests that many high-grade ovarian cancers actually originate in the fallopian tubes. Removing the tubes significantly reduces cancer risk.
What if I am already post-menopausal?
Removal of the ovaries after menopause usually does not cause hormonal symptoms, but it may still be recommended to reduce cancer risk or treat disease.
How long does the surgery take?
Most robotic procedures take 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.