Question 57
Dr N,
I am scheduled for removal of ovarian cyst and the doctor said that he may possibly have to remove the ovary. My other ovary was removed 2 yrs ago for choc. cyst/endometriosis. He also said that he would "not necessarily" have to go back at a future date to take out the uterus. Have you ever heard this? Thanks.
Reply:
Unfortunately, I have.
It is my belief that the uterus should not be left behind under these circumstances.
My opinion is based on having cared for a number of women who had had both ovaries removed with the uterus left behind.
First, it leaves a women with the potential for cervical and uterine cancer. Then, if she is going to avail herself of the benefits of HRT, she will need to take a progestin along with estrogen and many women are simply miserable when taking a progestin. There is simply no reason to leave the uterus that I know of if the ovaries are gone other than if the surgery is difficult and somehow puts the patient at unreasonable risk.
I recently had someone tell me that they had were not able to have their uterus removed at the time their last ovary was removed because their insurance company simply refused to pay for the additional surgery as the uterus was "normal".
If she wanted the uterus removed, which she did, I believe that this was inhumane, if not criminal.
Dr N