Epoophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries and the attached egg-containing follicles. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription /iː.puː.fəˈrɛk.tə.mi/. The "ee" sound is represented by the letter combination "eo", and the "ph" sound is represented by "p". The "o" in the middle of the word is pronounced like a short "u" sound, while the "ch" sound is represented by the letters "t" and "y". The final "y" represents the "ee" sound at the end of the word.
Epoophorectomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of one or both of the ovaries. The ovaries are important organs in the female reproductive system responsible for producing and releasing eggs, as well as secreting various hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Epoophorectomy may be performed as a therapeutic or prophylactic measure to treat or prevent certain gynecological conditions or diseases.
There are two main types of epoophorectomy: unilateral, which involves the removal of only one ovary, and bilateral, which involves the removal of both ovaries. Unilateral epoophorectomy is often performed to treat or prevent conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or adnexal torsion, which may cause severe pain or discomfort. Bilateral epoophorectomy, on the other hand, is typically reserved for more serious conditions such as ovarian cancer or when there is a high risk of developing certain genetic disorders like hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.
Epoophorectomy is typically performed as a surgical procedure under general anesthesia, and recovery time may vary depending on the individual patient and the reason for the surgery. Since the ovaries are essential for fertility and the production of hormones, the removal of one or both ovaries may cause various side effects and long-term implications. These can include menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings, as well as an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended to alleviate some of these symptoms and prevent long-term health consequences.
Removal of the parovarium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "epoophorectomy" is derived from the combination of two Greek root words: "epi-" meaning "upon" or "over", and "oophor-" meaning "ovary", and the suffix "-ectomy" meaning "surgical removal". Therefore, the etymology of "epoophorectomy" can be understood as the surgical removal of the ovary.