Definition: Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure in which both of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed. This surgery is usually performed during a hysterectomy. It is done to treat certain types of gynecologic cancer. A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may also be performed to prevent breast cancer and ovarian cancer in women with a strong genetic risk.
When the ovaries are removed, women undergo immediate surgical menopause. Women who were pre-menopausal before the surgery will be post-menopausal. The sudden drop of estrogen in the body can make the side effects of menopause more severe.
In contrast, when only one ovary and fallopian tube are removed, the procedure is called a unilateral salpingo-oophprectomy. It is sometimes designated as right or left with the acronym RSO (right salpingo-oophorectomy) or LSO (left salpingo-oophorectomy).
Pronunciation: by-LA-teh-rul sal-PIN-goh-oh-oh-foh-REK-toh-mee
Alternate Spellings: BSO
