Surgery for Ovarian Remnant Syndrome

Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (ORS) can occur in some women after a hysterectomy and because  Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) may not respond well to hormones, surgery can be the most beneficial treatment option.

The surgery to look for and remove ovarian remnants can be done as a laparotomy or laparoscopy, depending on variables such as the skill of the surgeon, where the ovarian remnant(s) may be located, the other organs involved, and the extensiveness of any adhesions.

Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to locate and see ovarian remnants. Extensive adhesions from the prior surgery(s) can significantly impede locating and treating ovarian remnants. Dense adhesions can hide the remnant and make it more difficult to remove them. The ovarian remnant may also be scarred to its surrounding area. To help make the remnants more visible, some physicians recommend pre-op medications that force the ovarian remnant to produce cysts so that the remnants can be more easily located and identified for removal.

Ovarian remnants can also implant away from the original location of the ovaries, making locating and removing them especially difficult. Remnants have been found on the ureter, bladder, bowel, rectum, pelvic sidewall, and uterosacral ligament, leading to trauma involving those organs and tissues. Successfully removing ovarian remnants from those areas requires exceptional skills to minimize risks and damage to those organs and tissues. It can be beneficial to have several different surgeons as part of your surgical team so that any issues with the various organs involved can be addressed by a knowledgeable and skilled specialist.

Before scheduling surgery for ovarian remnant syndrome, consider seeking a second opinion. You will want to weigh all of your pros and cons to determine if surgery for ORS is right for you.

Browse through the HysterSisters Separate Surgeries Articles covering a variety of  topics to learn more valuable information about surgeries related to GYN health beyond hysterectomy.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.  Reprinted with permission: Surgery for Ovarian Remnant Syndrome.