Lorraine Kelly gives an update about her recovery after surgery to remove her fallopian tubes and ovaries

Mrs Deborah Bruce, consultant gynecologist in the London Bridge Hospital, explains more about this type of operation …

Why would anyone get the procedure?

A woman would ask for this operation and obtained if she and her gynecologist, after detailed discussion and the advantages and disadvantages, decide that her risk of developing ovarian cancer is heavier than the risk of surgical menopause.

What about it?

It would usually hold a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can also be carried out by an open procedure, but this would entail more risks for the patient and a longer recovery period.

What is the recovery time afterwards?

After a laparoscopy, which is usually a day procedure, recovery must be faster and easier than an open procedure that would entail an overnight stay of two to three nights. After a laparoscopy, most women are back to full activities within 4-6 weeks compared to a laparotomy that can last up to 3 months.

What can some of the side effects be of removing your ovaries?

The most important risk of removing the ovaries in a premenopausal woman is inducing a surgical menopause that would be associated with all the complications of a natural menopause; Warm coils, nocturnal sweating, increased risk of osteoporosis/ cardiovascular disorders, URO genital problems such as vaginal dryness. Often the symptoms such as hot flashes are more serious after a surgical menopause than a natural menopause.

What can some of the emotional falls be?

The most important emotional problems surround fertility, but if a woman has completed her family, this is less a risk.

What are the most important symptoms of ovarian cancer?

The problem with ovarian cancer is that the symptoms – if present – are often present in the process of ovarian cancer. The most important symptoms, when they occur, are swelling in the abdomen, weight gain, a bloated feeling or irritable bowel -like symptoms.

How is the ovarian cancer normally diagnosed?

Ovarian cancer is normally diagnosed with a combination of blood tests, scans and surgery. Like any cancer, it can only be confirmed 100% after surgical removal and histological examination. However, a blood test called CA-125 is usually increased with ovarian cancer and certain ultrasonographic changes can increase the index of suspicion. An MRI scan is often also carried out to further investigate and to exclude metastases (to determine whether the cancer has spread or not).

What is the role of genetics in the development of ovarian cancer?

There is a connection between BRCA1 and 2 genes and the development of ovarian cancer. This contributes only 5-10 % of all ovarian cancer. However, if the BRCA1 gene is present, 39% of women will develop ovarian cancer at the age of 70. The risk is less – 11-17% with BRCA2. These genes can be screened in the presence of a positive family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, but there are advantages and disadvantages to know your status.

Do you have advice or tips to reduce the chance of developing ovarian cancer?

Other factors that have been shown to change the risk of developing ovarian cancer are the number of ovulating menstrual cycles that a women in her life have – the more she has the risk, so late menarche, early menopause, pregnancy and breastfeeding are all protective against this disease. The combined oral contraceptive pill is also protective because it stops ovulation. Tubal lying and hysterectomy has also been shown to reduce the risk.

Some environmental factors such as the use of talcum powder have been associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer and some herbicides and pesticides. Van HRT has also been shown to increase the risk.