Adnexal surgery at Exeter Hospital

Reasons for adnexal surgery vary:

• Removal of ovaries
• Removal of fallopian tubes
• Unblocking of fallopian tubes
• Adhesion removal from fallopian tubes or ovaries
• Removal of ovarian cysts
• Removal of cancerous tumours

What happens during adnexal surgery?

Most adnexal surgery can be done laparoscopically. The total time it takes to perform your surgery will depend on what area is being addressed. Adnexal surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic. 

Your surgeon will make several small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen. They will insert the laparoscope in one incision. Surgical instruments will be inserted in the other incisions to repair or remove areas needing treatment. They may also take tissue specimens and send them for laboratory analysis. Your surgeon will close your wounds and apply dressings as needed.  

You may be able to go home later the same day of your surgery. In some cases you will need to stay overnight. You will receive pain relief medication; but please be sure to let us know if you are in any pain.

Going home after adnexal surgery

You will not be able to drive yourself home so please arrange for someone to drive you when you are discharged. For the first few days you are home you should rest and limit your activity. Take over the counter pain relief such as Paracetamol if you are in any pain. Move around regularly to help prevent blood clots. You should avoid lifting anything heavy for the first few weeks. Be sure and discuss any return to work with your surgeon. 

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following adnexal surgery. As with any surgery there can be complications:

General complications of any operation:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection in the surgical wound
• Unsightly scarring
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
• Difficulty passing urine

Specific complications of adnexal surgery:

• Damage to bowel, bladder or ureter (rare)
• Adhesions (scarring)