Oophorectomy or removal of either one or both ovaries through surgery is performed for many indications, including for cancer management, ovarian cysts, and reducing a risk factor of some genetic disease. It may either be an open procedure (laparotomy) or a less invasive laparoscopic procedure.

In laparoscopic oophorectomy, the use of special surgical equipment provides accuracy, causes less trauma, and accelerates healing. Laparoscopic scissors, tissue graspers, and electrocautery devices are the three imperative instruments in this procedure. With these devices, surgeons are able to dissect, grasp, and coagulate tissues more efficiently, reducing blood loss and postoperative complications.

In this post, we’ll be discussing when and why one must have the ovaries taken out, and we’ll take a close look at these three principal surgical devices.

Why Ovary Removal Is Necessary

Oophorectomy is done for many medical reasons, some of which are:

1. Ovarian Cancer

If a patient has cancer of the ovary, one or both ovaries may be removed as a salvage procedure. In other cases, the entire reproductive equipment, i.e., the uterus and the fallopian tubes, may also be removed in an effort to prevent cancer spread.

2. Ovarian Cysts and Tumors

While most ovarian cysts are benign and self-limiting, some may develop into large size, painfulness, or even other complications such as rupture or torsion. In case the cysts develop a problem, surgery to remove the involved ovary can be advised.

3. Endometriosis

Endometriosis refers to an anomaly in which uterine lining-like tissue grows outside of the uterus and usually involves the ovaries. It may cause chronic pain, infertility, and other issues. If conservative therapy fails, the patient would be required to have an oophorectomy to relieve pain.

4. Preventive Surgery (Risk Reduction for BRCA Gene Mutation Carriers)

Women who carry mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at much greater risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. Preventive oophorectomy is usually advised for these women to minimize their cancer risk.

5. Pelvic Infections Severe

Severe infections that extend to the ovaries might need to be removed surgically to avoid further complications.

6. Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion is when an ovary twists around its supporting ligaments, shutting off its blood supply. This is a painful condition that needs to be treated immediately with surgery to untwist or remove the ovary if it is not viable.

7. Hormonal Disorders

Rarely, hormone-secreting ovarian tumors may lead to severe imbalances in the body, which need the removal of the ovary.

Since we now know why oophorectomy is done, let us take a look at the tools behind making this done.

Common Surgical Instruments Used in Oophorectomy

Least invasive laparoscopic oophorectomy is performed using a laparoscope (a small camera) and specialized equipment inserted with minimal incisions. Among such equipment, laparoscopic scissors, tissue graspers, and electrocautery instruments are indispensable.

1. Laparoscopic Scissors

Function and Role

Laparoscopic scissors are used for dissecting tissues, ligaments, and vessels precisely in the course of surgery. They constitute an indispensable piece of equipment in dissecting and removing the ovary with less tissue damage.

Types of Laparoscopic Scissors

• Straight Scissors – For overall cutting and dissection.
• Curved Scissors – Allow better access to tissues in cramped areas.
• Micro Scissors – Provide maximum precision when handling delicate structures.

Features

• Long, slender shafts to fit through small laparoscopic ports.
• Sharp blades for smooth, accurate incision.
• Convenient handles to provide the surgeon with control and comfort.

2. Tissue Graspers

Purpose and Function

Tissue graspers are applied to grasp, handle, and retract ovarian tissue in surgery. They help the surgeon manipulate the ovary and related structures without undue trauma.

Types of Tissue Graspers

• Atraumatic Graspers – To hold tissue with reduced trauma.
• Fenestrated Graspers – Have fenestrations in jaws to get better traction on oily tissues.
• Locking Graspers – Allow tissues to be securely held without continuous manual pressure.

Features

• Non-slip jaws for an effective hold on delicate ovarian tissue.
• Rotatory functions to provide easier insertion in the course of the procedure.
• Various sizes and types for applications in different procedures.

3. Electrocautery Instruments

Function and Use

Electrocautery instruments utilize electricity to sever tissue while causing blood vessels to constrict, reducing surgical bleeding. They are thus an essential part of oophorectomy procedures.

Types of Electrocautery Instruments

• Monopolar Electrocautery – It contains a single electrode that can be used to cut or coagulate tissue; grounding pad required.
• Bipolar Electrocautery – Utilizes two electrodes within the jaws of the device for precise sealing of the blood vessels without grounding pad.
• Harmonic Scalpel – An ultrasonic device for cutting that minimizes thermal damage to the adjacent tissues.

Features

• Accurate cutting and coagulation to reduce bleeding.
• Adjustable energy for varying tissue types.
• Less collateral tissue injury than the conventional cutting tools.

Conclusion

Oophorectomy is an essential surgery for the management of several ovarian disorders and cancer prevention in high-risk patients. The development of laparoscopic surgery has improved the safety and effectiveness of this procedure, owing to specialized equipment such as laparoscopic scissors, tissue graspers, and electrocautery devices.

All of these tools are important to providing accuracy, minimizing blood loss, and keeping recovery times minimal. With advancing surgical technology, all of these tools will be even more exacting, creating even superior outcomes for patients.

If you are a surgical instrument manufacturer or a medical device distributor, viewing the worth that these instruments possess for gynecological procedures can help make your products satisfy the needs of healthcare providers worldwide.

Would you rather have good-quality laparoscopic scissors, tissue graspors, or electrocautery devices for your surgery needs? Get in touch with Hasni Surgical today to learn more about our high-quality medical instruments.