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Gynaecology · United Kingdom

Laparoscopic removal of ovaries, by a consultant gynaecologist.

Keyhole oophorectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy - one ovary or both - done properly in a proper theatre, with the menopause and fertility conversations happening before the operation, not after.

A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Indicative pricing

What a private laparoscopic oophorectomy costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across UK private providers.

In short

£4,000–£6,500, usually home the same day.

Procedure Indicative range
Unilateral oophorectomy (one ovary) £4,000–£6,500
Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy £4,500–£7,000
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) £5,500–£8,500
Risk-reducing BSO (BRCA / Lynch) £6,000–£9,000
Oophorectomy at same time as hysterectomy +£800–£1,500
Consultation only £250–£450

Prices vary by clinic, by which gynaecologist does the case, by whether it is done at the same time as a hysterectomy, and by the length of hospital stay. Fully covered on the NHS via a gynaecology referral where clinically indicated.

The problem

The right surgeon, the right ovary decision, the right menopause plan.

Removing an ovary is a bigger decision than the operation itself. Whether one comes out or both, whether tubes go with them, and what happens to your hormones afterwards - that is the conversation we insist on before you agree to surgery.

  • Worried about menopause?

    If both ovaries are coming out, we plan HRT and bone, heart and cognitive protection per NICE NG23 before the operation.

  • Want it done properly?

    A named RCOG-accredited consultant, keyhole access, proper theatre, and - where relevant - a fertility conversation before the date is set.

When it helps

When laparoscopic oophorectomy is the right step.

The situations we see most, plus the red flag that means an emergency rather than an appointment.

  • Recurrent or complex ovarian cyst

    A large, symptomatic or suspicious cyst that keeps coming back - removal of the ovary is sometimes the definitive answer.

  • Endometrioma unresponsive to treatment

    A chocolate cyst that has recurred after cystectomy or is destroying ovarian tissue - oophorectomy is considered case-by-case.

  • Risk-reducing BSO (BRCA / Lynch)

    For BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch-syndrome carriers, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy sharply cuts ovarian and tubal cancer risk. See our high-risk clinic.

  • Concurrent with hysterectomy

    When a hysterectomy is done for malignancy or high risk, one or both ovaries may be removed at the same operation.

  • Ovarian torsion, non-viable ovary

    An ovary that has twisted and lost its blood supply and cannot be saved - removal prevents infection and further pain.

  • Benign ovarian tumour

    Certain benign tumours - dermoid, fibroma, cystadenoma - where cystectomy is not appropriate.

  • Severe hormone-driven pelvic pain

    Occasionally considered for refractory, hormone-driven dysmenorrhoea after every conservative option has failed.

  • Red flag: acute torsion pain

    Sudden, severe one-sided pelvic pain with vomiting can be ovarian torsion - same-day A&E, not a clinic booking.

Procedure options

Full BSO is not the only option.

What each option on the table actually involves - and which fits which problem.

  • Unilateral oophorectomy

    Removal of one ovary, tube preserved. Used where the other ovary is healthy and fertility or hormone function needs to be protected.

  • Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

    Removal of one ovary with its fallopian tube - the standard where a tubal component is suspected.

  • Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

    Removal of both ovaries and both tubes. Definitive, and causes surgical menopause if you are pre-menopausal.

  • Risk-reducing BSO

    Prophylactic BSO for BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome - timing usually guided by family history and completed childbearing.

  • Oophorectomy with hysterectomy

    Added to a laparoscopic hysterectomy at the same operation, most often for malignancy staging or strong family history.

  • Oophorectomy with fertility plan

    Egg or ovarian-tissue preservation arranged before surgery, where fertility matters and time allows.

  • Gender-affirming oophorectomy

    Part of masculinising surgery for transmasculine patients - see our masculinizing surgery page.

  • Consultation only

    An honest discussion of whether the ovary needs to go at all - cystectomy, medical management, or surveillance.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Laparoscopic oophorectomy is a safe, well-established procedure in experienced hands. What is worth planning for is the anaesthetic, the surgical menopause conversation if both ovaries are removed, and the recovery window.

  • General anaesthetic, keyhole access

    Three to four small ports, carbon-dioxide insufflation, and the specimen removed in a bag. Open conversion is rare but possible if access or bleeding demands it.

  • Surgical menopause if bilateral

    Removing both ovaries before your natural menopause causes immediate menopause. HRT until around 50 is usually recommended per NICE NG23 unless a specific contraindication.

  • Fertility - bilateral is definitive

    Losing both ovaries ends natural fertility. If future biological children matter, egg or embryo preservation is arranged before surgery where time allows.

  • Bleeding, and vessel injury

    Serious bleeding is uncommon but the pelvic vessels sit close to the operative field. The team is prepared and blood is available.

  • Ureter and bowel injury

    The ureter runs within centimetres of the infundibulopelvic ligament - identification and protection is part of the routine of every case.

  • DVT and PE

    Pelvic surgery raises clot risk. TED stockings, calf pumps in theatre and often a short course of low-molecular-weight heparin are standard.

  • Ovarian remnant syndrome

    Rarely, small pieces of ovarian tissue are left behind and continue to function or form cysts - a recognised complication that may need further surgery.

  • Adhesions and port-site hernia

    Adhesions can form after any pelvic surgery. Port-site hernias are rare but a reason larger ports are closed carefully.

  • Red flags

    Fever, spreading redness, heavy vaginal bleeding, calf pain, shortness of breath or severe abdominal pain after surgery are not normal - call the clinic or A&E the same day.

Reading your operation note

Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever technique was used, the note the gynaecologist sends you keeps to the same shape.

A UK consultant gynaecologist reviewing a patient’s operation notes

A quiet reminder

Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.

If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication and procedure performed

    Why the operation was done - cyst, endometrioma, risk-reducing, torsion - and whether it was unilateral, bilateral, salpingo-oophorectomy or oophorectomy alone.

  2. 02 Technique

    Access, ligation and specimen retrieval

    Port sites, the ligaments divided (infundibulopelvic and utero-ovarian), how the ureter was identified and protected, and how the specimen was removed in an endobag.

  3. 03 Findings

    Pelvic findings and histology plan

    Notes on the contralateral ovary, tubes, uterus, appendix, peritoneum and any adhesions - plus what has been sent to histology and when to expect it.

  4. 04 Impression

    Recovery, HRT plan, follow-up

    Read this first: expected recovery, whether surgical menopause has been induced, the HRT prescription or plan, and when histology and follow-up are booked.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Cover for laparoscopic oophorectomy varies by insurer and by indication - usually funded when medically indicated. Risk-reducing BSO for BRCA or Lynch may need pre-authorisation with a genetics letter.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about laparoscopic removal of ovaries.

Quick answers on menopause, fertility, cost, recovery, and what to expect after surgery.

  • Why do women have a laparoscopic oophorectomy?

    Most commonly for a recurrent or complex ovarian cyst, a stubborn endometrioma, risk-reducing surgery for BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome, non-viable ovarian torsion, a benign ovarian tumour, or as part of a hysterectomy for malignancy. Occasionally for refractory hormone-driven pelvic pain when everything else has failed.

  • Will I go into menopause after the surgery?

    Only if both ovaries are removed and you are pre-menopausal. Removing one ovary usually does not cause menopause - the other continues to work. Bilateral removal before your natural menopause causes immediate surgical menopause, and HRT until around 50 is usually recommended unless there is a specific reason not to.

  • How much does a private laparoscopic oophorectomy cost in the UK?

    Roughly £4,000–£6,500 for one ovary, £5,500–£8,500 for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and £6,000–£9,000 for risk-reducing BSO with the extra genetics and menopause input. When added to a hysterectomy it is usually £800–£1,500 on top of the hysterectomy fee.

  • What happens to my fertility?

    Bilateral oophorectomy ends natural fertility. With one ovary removed and the other healthy, natural fertility usually continues.

  • How long is the recovery?

    Most women are home the same day or after one night. Desk work is realistic at one to two weeks. No heavy lifting, no driving until you can do an emergency stop, and no baths or swimming for four to six weeks while the port sites heal.

  • What are the risks?

    Bleeding, injury to the ureter or bowel, DVT or PE, incomplete resection with residual ovarian tissue (ovarian remnant syndrome), adhesions and port-site hernia. Serious complications are uncommon in experienced hands, and the anaesthetic and surgical team plan for each of them.

  • Do I need HRT after bilateral removal?

    If you are under about 50 at the time of bilateral oophorectomy, HRT until the natural age of menopause is usually recommended for cardiovascular, bone and cognitive protection - this follows NICE NG23. There are exceptions, particularly hormone-sensitive cancers, which is why the conversation happens before surgery, not after.

  • Can I have this on the NHS?

    Yes - laparoscopic oophorectomy for a genuine indication is routinely available on the NHS through a gynaecology referral from your GP. Private care usually offers a named consultant, faster timelines and more time for the menopause and fertility conversation. We help you decide which route fits.

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